Can I practice law in Australia with an UK law degree?
Asked by: Mr. Jeramie Kassulke Jr. | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (36 votes)
In short, yes. Foreign-qualified lawyers in Australia are able to practise in this country, but you must first meet several requirements – and obtain a practising certificate – in order to do so.
Can I practice law in Australia with an UK degree?
Foreign lawyers can practise Australian law if they're admitted to the Australian legal profession and granted a practising certificate. Foreign lawyers can apply to be admitted to the Australian legal profession based on qualifications obtained outside Australia.
Does UK law apply in Australia?
How does it get changed if it does still apply? In very general terms, British legislation no longer applies to Australia either federally or at state level. After the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1942, Australia was independent from Britain but the states were still subject to some aspects of British law.
Is the University of London law degree recognised in Australia?
Both the CPE (taught at HKU SPACE as the Graduate Diploma in English and Hong Kong Law) and UK law degrees such as the University of London LL. B. are included in the list of overseas law courses recognised for admission to the Australian legal profession.
Can a US lawyer practice in Australia?
If you are an international lawyer seeking admission to legal practice in Australia, you will need to have your overseas legal qualification assessed by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). The LPAB assessment will determine the subjects you need to complete to be eligible to practice law in Australia.
How to practice law in australia for foreign lawyers?
Can a foreigner work as a lawyer in Australia?
In short, yes. Foreign-qualified lawyers in Australia are able to practise in this country, but you must first meet several requirements – and obtain a practising certificate – in order to do so. Below, we walk you through the steps to become a foreign-qualified lawyer practising in Australia.
How much do lawyers get paid in Australia?
What can I earn as a Lawyer? The average annual salary for Lawyer jobs in Australia ranges from $105,000 to $125,000.
Are UK degrees Recognised in Australia?
If you're looking to move to Australia as a skilled migrant to work, it's likely that your overseas qualifications will need to be assessed to ensure they're in line with Australian standards. Sadly, there's no single authority in Australia which assesses or recognises all overseas qualifications.
Is a UK law degree Recognised in the US?
Are foreign law degrees recognized in the United States? Yes. Many states recognize foreign law degrees. However, these degrees are subject to review by state bar regulators.
What do you need to practice law in Australia?
In order to practise as a lawyer in Australia, a candidate has to be admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian state or territory, and then obtain a practising certificate, generally issued by the local legal professional body.
Can I emigrate to Australia from UK?
For those looking to emigrate to Australia, you will need to apply for and be granted a permanent residency visa; this will allow you to remain in Australia indefinitely.
How hard is it to become a lawyer in Australia?
(In short, it usually takes at least four years of full-time study to become a lawyer.) Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) if you haven't completed (or partially completed) an undergraduate degree. Already got a degree? You can undertake a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry).
Where can I use a UK law degree?
- Barrister.
- Chartered legal executive.
- Conveyancer.
- Judicial assistant.
- Law costs lawyer.
- Legal cashier.
- Legal secretary.
- Paralegal.
Can you work abroad with a UK law degree?
Many large commercial law firms have offices located throughout Europe, Asia and North America which deal with international matters crossing many jurisdictional borders. These firms provide opportunities for English law graduates and lawyers to work overseas.
Can you work in Australia with an UK law degree?
Australia: Australia offers UK law graduates a sunny climate, outdoor social lifestyle, and a familiar legal system. As a part of the Commonwealth, Australia's legal framework closely mirrors that of the UK, making it easier for UK-trained lawyers to transition.
Does the US recognize UK degrees?
In any event, in most fields a 3-year UK degree will be considered fine, or better, for a US masters or PhD program. However, there are some professional tracks that just work very differently, including in law and health fields. In those it can be much more difficult to jump tracks.
Which is better for LLM USA or UK?
LLM in USA vs the UK
The United States of America is one of the best choices for LLM as it is home to prestigious institutions in the world for law. LLM in the USA is highly preferable as it helps in improving communication skills, making strategies, and making you patient enough to tackle changing legal problems.
Can I transfer my degree from UK to Australia?
Academic qualifications: Luckily, Australia and the UK have similar secondary school and higher education systems, making studying in Australia from the UK a simple transition. You can easily transfer academic qualifications to your university abroad.
Can I work in Australia with an UK degree?
Your UK qualifications will usually be recognised by most employers as the Australian higher education system closely resembles that in the UK. However, check with potential employers before applying. To find out more about the recognition of qualifications see ENIC-NARIC.
Which degree is better UK or Australia?
The UK: Pros: Offers slightly higher ranked universities and shorter master's programs (1 year). Cons: The cost of living in the UK can be higher and the post-study work visa options are shorter than in Australia.
What type of lawyers are in demand in Australia?
Corporate and commercial law remains a cornerstone of the Australian legal industry. As businesses navigate regulatory complexities, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance issues, the demand for skilled corporate lawyers continues to grow.
Is it worth becoming a lawyer in Australia?
One of the most common questions that law students and aspiring lawyers have is how much they can expect to earn. The good news is that lawyers in Australia are generally well-paid, with salaries that can range from around $60,000 to $200,000 or more depending on years of experience and practice area.