Do lawyers earn well in Australia?
Asked by: Ms. Janiya Cartwright V | Last update: July 28, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (20 votes)
One of the most common questions is how much can expect to earn. While it is the lifestyle why many people move to Sydney, the good news is that lawyers in Australia are generally well-paid, with salaries that can range from around $65,000 to $290,000 or more depending on years of experience and practice area.
Do lawyers make good money in Australia?
Lawyers in general, earn a good salary in Australia. The average salaries based on the average income of lawyers across all the areas of law may range from $100,000 to $185,000, with the entry-level for junior lawyers starting at a salary scale from about $70,000.
Is Australia a good country for lawyers?
Lawyers and doctors are still required in Australia but demand decreases. Your chances will be better in rural or suburban areas. Overall about 50000 lawyers practise in Australia. Australia has the highest per capita number of law schools in the world but people don't want to go to rural areas to work.
Are lawyers in high demand in Australia?
The legal industry in Australia is undergoing a period of continued growth. According to ALPMA's recent salary survey, 56% of Australian Law firms still plan to grow their employee numbers in 2024. We are seeing strong demand for Lawyers in: Employment/Workplace Relations.
Is it good to be a lawyer in Australia?
Law has a mediocre median, an okay average and a high ceiling. If you want big bucks, like $400k+, you have to make at least salaried partner, or become a relatively successful barrister. Law earnings in the first 4 years PQE are universally low (<$130k). As a junior, you have no real skills, experience, or contacts.
10 Signs You Should Become A Lawyer
Can an American become 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.
How hard is a law degree in Australia?
Studying law is both a challenging yet highly rewarding feat, and preparation is key! Many students expect to become the next Elle Woods or Harvey Specter when studying law. While this could happen in the future, it takes a great deal of hard work and commitment to study.
Can I immigrate to Australia as a lawyer?
As a lawyer or solicitor, you apply independently or you can be sponsored by a state or territory government. Or even a close family member in a regional area of Australia. Visa subclasses under the general skilled migrant program that can be used are the Subclasses 189/190/489.
What is the highest paying job in Australia?
- Surgeon: AUD 406,100.
- Anaesthetist: AUD 389,000.
- Internal Medicine Specialist: AUD 305,000.
- Financial Analysts: AUD 280,000.
- Psychiatrist: AUD 253,000.
- Judiciary & Legal Professionals: AUD 189,000.
- Mining Engineer: AUD 185,000.
- Construction Manager: AUD 180,000.
Is there an oversupply of lawyers in Australia?
This brief statistical analysis is consistent with Melville's finding that the oversupply crisis is not an oversupply of law graduates per se. Rather, from the perspective of legal practitioners in private practice, there are many more law graduates than that particular subset of the legal profession feels it needs.
Which country pays most to lawyers?
The top countries which offer the highest average Lawyer's salary are the USA, Germany, Canada, the UK, France, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Switzerland.
Are lawyers respected in Australia?
Lawyers and judges are highly trusted by Australians, even though the public struggles to believe the profession “has their best interests at heart”, according to research conducted for the NSW Law Society.
What is the best country to do law?
The US stands as the leading destination for law studies, home to prestigious institutions such as Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and Stanford Law School. Ranking #1 in quality of education, the US offers comprehensive legal training across specialties like corporate law, public interest law, and technology law.
Who is the richest lawyer in Australia?
Australia's richest barrister, Allan Myers, KC, has made another city investment, well away from his agricultural interests, joining the ranks of the strata office owners in Melbourne's top end.
What is a good salary in Australia?
As to be expected, the answers varied significantly, ranging from $80,000 up to a whopping $500,000. One commenter said they would be “happy” with $80,000 to $90,000, while another agreed they would be “comfortable” with $80,000 but would consider $120,000 a “good” salary.
What type of lawyer gets paid most?
Corporate and tax lawyers tend to be the highest earners, with patent and IP lawyers not far behind. Trial lawyers also pull down a lot of money, particularly in the civil litigation field.
What jobs earn $500,000 a year in Australia?
- Medical Doctors required for Australia. Urgently hiring. ...
- Village Administrator. Compass Group Australia. ...
- Telehealth Psychiatrist Private Outpatient. ...
- Duty Co-ordinator Aquatic and Brickpit. ...
- Regional Account Manager. ...
- Strengthen your profile. ...
- Psychiatrist Private Outpatient - Salary Role. ...
- Anaesthetist.
What jobs pay $200,000 a year in Australia?
- Account Manager - Client Team. ...
- Field Research Scientist. ...
- Financial Planning and Analysis Manager. ...
- IT Support Analyst. ...
- Marketing Manager. ...
- Financial Controller - Hotel Investments / Asset Management. ...
- Financial Controller (Compliance, Tax, Treasury & Regulation) ...
- Car Driver.
What is the most respected profession in Australia?
Doctors, Teachers and Scientists are the most trusted people in Australia and across the globe. The latest Ipsos Trustworthiness Index reveals that Doctors are considered the most trustworthy profession in Australia and globally.
Can American lawyers 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.
Is lawyer in demand in Australia?
If you're looking to pursue a career in law or are currently in law school, then you're in luck. Demand for lawyers in Australia has been unprecedented. Your career ladder as a lawyer will look a little different depending on the firm you join.
Is Australia in need of lawyers?
After being closed for more than 600 days, Australia's international borders are finally set to reopen to UK lawyers. This is a day our law firms' clients have been waiting for, the Australia economy has bounced back speculatively in 2021, with demand for legal services and the demand lawyers at a all time high.
Is law in Australia oversaturated?
The legal industry in Australia has experienced an increase in the number of law graduates, contributing to saturation in the job market.
How hard is the bar exam in Australia?
The current pass mark is 75%. The Bar Association does not publish pass/fail statistics, but anecdotally it is a challenging exam in which less than half of candidates pass at the first attempt. Which to do first: sit the exam or apply for chambers? Passing the Bar Exam entitles you to start the BPC within 15 months.
How long is law school 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.