Becoming a lawyer in Australia requires a combination of academic qualifications and practical training. To become a lawyer in Australia, you will need to follow these specific steps:
Obtain a law degree: You will need to complete a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degree recognised by the Law Society of the territory or state where you will choose to practise law.
Complete practical training: After obtaining your law degree, you will need to complete the Practical Legal Training or Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, which is a practical training program designed to prepare law graduates for admission to legal practice. Alternatively, you may choose an apprenticeship as an articled clerk or a certification via supervised workplace training to complete your practical training stage.
Apply for admission to legal practice: Once you have completed your practical training, you will need to apply for admission to legal practice in the state or territory in which you wish to practise. Each state and territory has its own admission requirements, which typically include character and suitability assessments, as well as compliance with continuing professional development requirements.
Undertake supervised legal practice: After being admitted to legal practice, you will typically need to complete a period of supervised legal practice. The length of the supervised legal practice period can vary depending on the state or territory, but it usually ranges from 18-24 months.
Obtain a practising certificate: After completing the supervised legal practice, you will need to obtain a practising certificate in the state or territory in which you wish to practise. However, if you hold a practising certificate in any Australian jurisdiction, you are entitled to practise law in another Australian jurisdiction without gaining admission in that jurisdiction.
The process of becoming a lawyer in Australia can vary depending on the state or territory in which you wish to practise. It is important to check the specific admission requirements for the state or territory in which you wish to practise.
