Is it worth doing law in Australia?
Asked by: Chyna Harvey | Last update: February 10, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (18 votes)
Yes, studying law in Australia can be very rewarding due to world-class education, diverse career paths, and potential for high salaries, but it's a challenging field with significant HECS debt for domestic students and requires genuine passion, as the job market can be competitive, especially for international graduates seeking permanent residency. It's worth it if you love the law, but less so if you're just chasing PR or money without a deep interest, as you'll face high costs and a saturated market for entry-level roles, notes Quora and Reddit users.
Is Australia good for studying law?
Australia's position in the Asia-Pacific region gives its law graduates a competitive edge in the global legal landscape. Australian lawyers are uniquely placed to engage with legal professionals across Asia, with strong ties to key jurisdictions such as Singapore and Hong Kong.
Is law in high demand in Australia?
Lawyers are in high demand across Australia in several areas of law, including corporate law, criminal law and family law.
Can a US citizen go to law school in Australia?
Yes, international students can study law in Australia, which not only provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal principles that underpin many societies, but also equips students with a broad set of skills that are highly valued in many different fields.
Are lawyers highly paid in Australia?
The average criminal lawyer salary in Australia is $72,075 per year. How much a criminal defence lawyer in Australia can earn will depend on their level of experience. For example, a junior lawyer can earn as little as $45,000 per year, while more experienced criminal lawyers can earn $150,000 and above.
Pursuing a Law Career in Australia 🇦🇺 | PR Pathway, Job Market & Salary Insights | Vlog #276
What jobs pay $500,000 a year in Australia?
$500k salary jobs
- Sales Executive- APAC. GoCanvas. ...
- Warehouse Supervisor. SKUTOPIA. ...
- Marketing Manager. Hope Global School. ...
- Property Manager | FIFO or Local | 2:1 | Brisbane or Weipa Local, QLD. Sodexo. ...
- Head of Operations. Donut Jam. ...
- Fitter. Griffin Marine Services. ...
- Sales Representative – Showroom & Inbound. ...
- Head Chef | Yarra Botanica.
Is $130,000 a good salary in Australia?
Yes, $130k is a very good salary in Australia, placing you well above the median income and allowing for a comfortable middle-class lifestyle, especially for individuals or couples, though it can feel tighter in expensive cities with high rent or mortgages compared to lower-cost areas or for families. While it's a solid income for general living, affording prime city locations, large homes, or significant savings might require budgeting, especially with rising housing costs.
Can a US lawyer practice law in Australia?
Every lawyer trained outside Australia who wishes to become eligible for admission to the Australian legal profession must first apply to the relevant State or Territory admitting authority for an assessment of whether the person's academic and practical legal training qualifications are substantially equivalent to the ...
What is the easiest law degree to get?
The easiest law degree programs, such as the Master of Legal Studies (MLS), are typically less demanding than traditional law degrees like the Juris Doctor (JD). MLS programs are designed for professionals who want a foundational understanding of law without the need to become licensed attorneys.
What are the disadvantages of studying in Australia for international students?
One of the most significant challenges for international students studying in Australia is the geographical distance from their home countries. Being thousands of miles away from family and friends can lead to feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and isolation, particularly during major holidays or special occasions.
What jobs pay $100,000 a year in Australia?
Many jobs in Australia pay over $100,000, spanning tech (Software Engineer, Data Scientist), healthcare (Psychologist, OT, Speech Pathologist), trades (Driller, Electrician, Roofer), sales (Business Development, Travel), management (Project Manager, HR Manager, Store Manager), and professional services (Architect, Financial Analyst, Lawyer), with high earning potential in specialized fields like mining and medicine (Surgeons, Anaesthetists), and even some entry-level roles in high-demand areas like IT or sales.
What is the #1 law school in the world?
While rankings vary by source, Harvard Law School consistently ranks as the #1 law school globally in major rankings like QS and Research.com, often followed closely by universities such as Yale, Oxford, Stanford, and Cambridge, with US schools dominating the top spots. Harvard is known for its prestige, extensive resources like the world's largest academic law library, and influential alumni network.
What is the hardest degree in Australia?
- Aerospace Engineering. Aerospace engineering involves the study, manufacturing, design and testing of aircraft. ...
- Law. One of the primary reasons Law ranks as the hardest degree in Australia is its challenging admission process. ...
- Medicine. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Chemistry. ...
- Psychology. ...
- Physics. ...
- Biomedical Engineering.
What are the top 3 law schools?
The top 3 law schools consistently ranked are Yale University, Stanford University, and Harvard University, often appearing as the top three in various rankings like U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education, though their specific order can vary slightly by publication and year, with University of Chicago, Columbia, and NYU frequently rounding out the top tier.
Is LSAT required for law school in Australia?
Entry requirements
There is no need to sit the LSAT for entry to the Adelaide Bachelor of Laws. You will need to have a GPA of at least 70-75% (between 3.0-3.3 GPA). The University will consider the LSAT, but it is not required for admission.
What's the hardest year of law school?
Most law students agree the first year (1L) is the hardest due to the steep learning curve, new teaching methods (Socratic/Case Method), intense reading/writing, and high-pressure environment designed to build foundational skills, though 2L brings different stressors like career planning and internships. 1L is a "bootcamp" for thinking like a lawyer with unfamiliar concepts and high stakes for grades, making the transition from undergraduate studies particularly challenging.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?
That said, the question about what the “Kim Kardashian LSAT score” was, or if she even took the LSAT ends in a resounding no. This unconventional choice has sparked conversations about making legal education more accessible and exploring diverse paths in the legal profession.
What is the happiest law school?
1 in Best Quality of Life, Best Professors, Best Classroom Experience | University of Virginia School of Law.
Is 27 too late for law school?
No, 27 is not too old for law school; in fact, life and work experience gained by that age are often seen as advantages, making you more focused and mature than many younger students, with many older students finding fulfilling careers and succeeding in law school. While the average student might be younger, a significant portion of law students are 30 or older, and your maturity, different perspective, and practicality can strengthen your application and your experience in law school.
What is a lawyer's salary in Australia?
What can I earn as a Lawyer? The average annual salary for Lawyer jobs in Australia ranges from $100,000 to $120,000.
How hard is it to become a lawyer in Australia?
To be admitted as a lawyer in Australia, you need to satisfy three requirements: You've completed a law degree or equivalent course (LLB or JD) You've undertaken a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program, which results in the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. You're a fit and proper person.
Do Australian lawyers have to pass the bar?
You can become a lawyer in Australia without first passing the bar exam. This differs from other countries like the United States, where every lawyer must pass the bar before being allowed to practice law.
What is a top 1% salary in Australia?
If you earn a total income of $375,378 a year or higher, congratulations; you are in Australia's top 1 per cent of taxpayers. And if your total household gross income is above $531,652, your household earns more than 99 per cent of Australian households.
What jobs are in high demand in Australia?
Australia's in-demand jobs span healthcare, tech, construction, and education, with high needs for Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, Electricians, Aged & Disability Support Workers, and Early Childhood Educators, driven by an aging population, infrastructure projects, and digital transformation. Key roles also include Project Managers, Data Analysts, and Cybersecurity Specialists, reflecting ongoing development and technological shifts, notes Hays, Yahoo Finance Australia, and UNSW Sydney.
Is $200,000 a good salary in Australia?
An income of $200,000 per annum in Australia would afford extensive international travel, premium healthcare, luxury goods, significant philanthropic contributions, substantial financial support for family, and the ability to pursue expensive hobbies without financial strain.