Is a law degree worth it Australia?

Asked by: Eveline Wolff  |  Last update: September 2, 2022
Score: 4.3/5 (47 votes)

While not everyone who graduates with a law degree works in a law firm, this is often the first career option most law students think of. And with good reason: here in Australia, law is a solid career choice with services that are in strong – and increasing – demand.

Is it worth becoming a lawyer Australia?

Many students think that studying law and becoming a lawyer will mean they will be making a lot of money with a great salary! However, according to PayScale.com, the average salary that lawyers in Australia earn is $70,000 per year, and the range of salaries goes from $48,000 all the way up to $117,000.

Is there a demand for lawyers in Australia?

Demand is strong for lawyers of various experience levels, ranging from two to five years up to partner, and in most practice areas. Corporate and transaction work is particularly in demand, thanks to Australia's very active mergers and acquisitions market.

How difficult is a law degree in Australia?

Law is a demanding area of study, but it's likely to be within your capability if you're willing to dedicate yourself. In terms of time, students typically spend 15 hours or more per week on coursework, depending on how advanced their law knowledge is, and familiarity with university-level study.

Is a law degree worth it 2020?

The highest 10% of lawyers earned median annual earnings of more than $208,000 in 2019. Some law school graduates forgo serving as a lawyer in order to have more work-life balance. There are many jobs you can do with a law degree and legal-related roles where having a J.D. may be an asset.

Juris Doctor or Law Degree in Australia - Will I be able to get a job?

33 related questions found

Why is it not worth being a lawyer?

A sometimes stressful work environment

When it's all said and done, a lawyer may end up spending 50 hours or more at the office each week. “Lawyers often have demanding schedules and heavy workloads, which may contribute to increased stress levels,” says the ABA.

Is law a good career 2021?

Good news for law school graduates and others in the legal profession. A year after the earliest Covid-19 cases hit the United States prompting a near-shutdown of the economy, there are more law firms and corporate legal departments hiring employees in 2021 than there are letting them go.

Is a law degree respected?

A law degree is one of the most prestigious and well-established professional qualifications you can attain.

How hard is the bar exam Australia?

The exam has a 75% pass mark and there is now only one per year. Over 100 people sit each exam. Statistically, more people fail than pass. Candidates have taken a year off to study and failed, or have failed five times before passing.

Is law the hardest degree?

Law. Law is officially the hardest subject to get a first class degree in4, so we all know it's hard going. If you think you know what it's like to have a lot of reading, go and talk to a Law student. Except that you probably won't find any, because they'll be in the Law library, reading.

Are lawyers happy Australia?

According to one study, only 17% of lawyers are very satisfied with their jobs. Another found that 35% of lawyers were seeking another position, and 23% planned to leave their firm in the next two years. Those numbers seem pretty dismal, but they're not entirely unexpected given the nature of legal work.

Is law a good career for future?

Law as a profession is in great demand these days. Due to the changing social and economic circumstances and the ever-increasing regulatory role being undertaken by the government there is a rising demand for the lawyers. Besides being financially lucrative, Law is an adventurous and exciting career option.

Is law still a good career?

The legal profession is one of the most lucrative industries in today's job market. Double-digit growth in recent years has produced healthy revenues and rising salaries. Associates in the nation's largest law firms start at $150,000 to $180,000, and partners earn average salaries in excess of $1.2 million.

Does law pay well Australia?

A criminal lawyer with up to 1-year experience can range from $50,000-$62,000. A criminal lawyer with up to 4-years experience can range from $65,000-$80,000. A criminal lawyer with 5-9-years experience can range from $85,000-$100,000. A criminal lawyer with 10-20-years experience can range from $100,000-$150,000.

What is the highest paid job in Australia?

Which job has the highest salary in Australia? Neurosurgeons earn the highest annual salary in Australia at over $600,000.

Are lawyers respected in Australia?

Respected Occupation

The role of a lawyer is highly regarded and respected in Australia, and it can also be very rewarding working to achieve a positive outcome for your clients and or community.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian celebrated passing the “baby bar” with some cheddar bay biscuits. The reality star learned that she passed the First-Year Law Students' Examination in December 2021 while sitting in her car in front of a Red Lobster restaurant.

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer?

Kardashian first announced her decision to become a lawyer in April 2019 and is currently set to take the bar exam this year.

How many law graduates become lawyers Australia?

In his argument he referenced data by the Australian Financial Review which revealed there are almost 15,000 law graduates each year in Australia, while the legal profession is comprised of just 66,000 solicitors.

Is a law degree useless?

Law isn't a useless degree, it's just that there are more graduates than there is for the demand for those who wish to pursue it as a career. It's like this for most careers, especially in the humanities etc as STEM has a higher employability rate.

Are law degrees boring?

Is law boring? “Yes,” says Minor. “The qualifying law degree modules are dryish, with the exception of maybe criminal and property. There is so much reading.

Are law graduates in demand?

There has been an increase in the number of students opting for this field as the job demands have increased. From small businesses to large firms to NGOs, everyone is hiring talented lawyers. The government has streamlined Law education by starting CLAT in 2008.

Is there a demand for lawyers?

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 46,000 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

How do you know if becoming a lawyer is right for you?

  • You work well with others. That's right—being a lawyer means working with people! ...
  • You can persuade others. The ability to persuade=the practice of law. ...
  • You are independent and self-disciplined. ...
  • You can endure the grind. ...
  • You don't take things at face value. ...
  • You must be able to network.

What field of law is most in demand 2021?

Which Legal Fields Are in Demand?
  1. Litigation. The process of introducing, planning, and executing a lawsuit continues to be one of the most important legal practice areas. ...
  2. Commercial law. ...
  3. Intellectual property law. ...
  4. Family law. ...
  5. Immigration & naturalization law. ...
  6. Real estate law. ...
  7. Contract management. ...
  8. Compliance.