How to Become a Lawyer in Australia?

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.
Back to blog

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding. Speed up your revision with us now.

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.