By Georgia Smith, 16 June, 2025
Kerri Balaba, Senior Associate in the property team at HopgoodGanim Lawyers, is a QUT alumna who completed a Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Creative Industries and a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, otherwise known as Practical Legal Training (PLT), at QUT. We sat down with Kerri to discuss how her QUT PLT experience shaped her career and how the flexibility of the program helped her balance study and work.
Firstly, can you tell us what your role as Senior Associate involves?
I’m a transactional lawyer in the commercial property team. I predominantly work for developers, preparing contracts and handling everything from property acquisition, subdivision, due diligence, right through to conveyancing. We also assist with leasing and residential properties.
No two days are the same. One day might involve drafting agreements, managing documents, and handling settlements, while the next could be spent in back-to-back client meetings. It's a very varied and broad range of work, so there's a lot going on.
Can you give us a bit of insight into what motivated you to pursue a career in law?
I chose a career in law because of the breadth of opportunities it offers. The study of law provides a chance to develop a diverse range of skills and knowledge, often revealing areas of the field you might not have even known existed.
Whether your career path leads to in-house counsel, private practice, government roles, or even positions like barrister or general counsel, law opens doors to countless possibilities. The transferable skills you gain—such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving—allow you to take your degree in almost any direction you choose.
Having completed your undergraduate degree at QUT, what motivated you to continue studying at QUT for your PLT?
I decided to pursue my Practical Legal Training (PLT) at QUT after having such a positive experience during my undergraduate studies there. While completing my Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Creative Industries, I worked a lot, and QUT’s flexibility made it possible to balance work and study effectively. Knowing that QUT’s PLT program offered the same level of adaptability made it an easy choice.
How did your PLT equip you with the skills needed to be a successful lawyer?
QUT’s PLT program laid the foundation for my legal practice by honing critical skills such as drafting, negotiation, ethics, and general workplace competencies. These practical skills have been invaluable in navigating the varied demands of my role.
How did you get your first job in the legal industry?
I got my first job in the legal industry while I was studying my PLT at QUT. I didn't have any legal experience, so I applied for a lot of jobs and was lucky enough to get a role where I was doing administrative work in a law setting, which eventually expanded to include more legal-based work. I had previous experience in non-legal roles and I found that emphasising the transferable skills that I’d gained in these previous roles was crucial to me landing a job.
Did your legal work experience count towards your PLT? Did it reduce the cost and duration of your degree?
Yes, I received credit towards my course for my work at a law firm. Not only did this job enrich my learning experience but it also allowed me to earn credit towards my studies, reducing both the cost and duration of the course—a significant advantage. My supervisor simply signed off on the work I’d completed, and QUT credited it towards the placement component of the PLT course.
What was the most beneficial aspect of studying your PLT at QUT?
The flexibility of QUT’s PLT program was the most beneficial aspect for me. It allowed me to study the way that I wanted to, and the way that fit in with my life.
The academics provided real-world feedback and practical insights into the legal profession, which was incredibly valuable for someone just starting their career. The program bridged the gap between studying law and actually practicing it, giving me the confidence and tools to transition into the profession successfully.
And lastly, what advice would you give to anyone considering their PLT at QUT?
To anyone considering their PLT at QUT, I’d say it’s a flexible option that incorporates real-world experience and insights from experienced academics. It’s an excellent foundation to start your career as a legal professional, equipping you with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.