How to become a lawyer in Australia: Your step-by-step guide
By Hannah Mullins
If you're interested in standing up for others, solving complex problems and making a difference in your community, a career in law could be for you.
Lawyers play an important role in society by helping people, businesses and governments. While many people think of shows like ‘Suits’ when they hear law, a career in the legal profession offers far more than what you see on screen. From advising businesses and shaping public policy to protecting the environment or supporting families through life's biggest challenges, there are so many ways to make an impact.
If you're wondering how to become a lawyer in Australia, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the qualifications, training and skills you'll need to start your legal career.
The four steps to becoming a lawyer
Step 1: Complete an accredited law degree
The first step to becoming a lawyer is completing an accredited law degree.
If you're starting university after high school, you'll typically study a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). You can choose to study law as a standalone degree or as part of a double degree, combining it with another field such as business, politics or psychology.
If you've already completed a bachelor's degree in another field, you may be eligible to study a Juris Doctor (JD), a postgraduate law qualification that also meets the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession.
Whichever pathway you choose, you'll build a strong understanding of Australia's legal system by studying subjects such as criminal law, contract law, constitutional law, property law and ethics.
Step 2: Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Graduating with a law degree is an important milestone, but there's one more step before you can practise as a lawyer.
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is where you'll put your legal knowledge into practice and build the skills you'll use as a lawyer. PLT is offered by recognised external providers and includes practical coursework along with work placement. During your training, you'll gain experience in areas such as client interviewing, legal drafting, negotiation, ethics and advocacy.
Once you've completed PLT, you'll be awarded a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice, which is the next step towards being admitted as a lawyer in Australia.
Step 3: Apply for admission
Once you've completed both your law degree and PLT, you can apply to be admitted to the legal profession in your state or territory.
As part of the admission process, you'll need to meet character and suitability requirements, often referred to as being a "fit and proper person". Once you're admitted by the relevant Supreme Court, you'll officially become an Australian lawyer.
Step 4: Obtain a practising certificate
If your application is successful, you'll attend an admission ceremony where you'll sign the Roll of Lawyers, take an Oath (or Affirmation) and receive your Certificate of Admission. Once you've signed the Roll, you're officially a lawyer.
Becoming a lawyer in Australia takes commitment, but it can lead to a rewarding career where you solve problems, advocate for others and make a meaningful impact. If you're ready to take the first step, explore the University of Canberra's law courses and discover how practical learning, industry connections and studying in the nation's capital can prepare you for a successful legal career.
