What qualifications do you need to be a lawyer in Australia?

Asked by: Ahmed Mayer I  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (3 votes)

To become a Lawyer in Australia you will need to apply to the local Law Society for a Practising Certificate. You'll then need to complete 18 to 24 months of supervised practice at a law firm. Pathways to becoming a practicing Lawyer typically require a combined 5-6 years of education and training.

What subjects do you need to become a lawyer in Australia?

There are key areas of knowledge you will have to pass to obtain a Law degree, they are known as the 'Priestley 11':
  • Administrative law.
  • Civil Procedure.
  • Company Law.
  • Constitutional Law.
  • Contracts.
  • Criminal Law and Procedures.
  • Equity (including Trusts)
  • Evidence.

What qualification does a lawyer need?

Three-year undergraduate degree (+ 1 year GDL conversion course if required) One-year Legal Practice Course (LPC) Two-year Professional Skills Course. Two-year law training contract in a law firm.

How do I become a law in Australia?

In Australia, you'll spend a minimum of four years studying to become a lawyer. You'll pursue one of two degrees: a 4-year Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) or a combined LLB (5+ years). In New Zealand, an LLB takes four years to complete, and a combined LLB takes five.

Is it hard to get a job as a lawyer in Australia?

It is very easy to become a lawyer in Australia. All Australian universities (except Federation) have an accredited law school. You just need to complete a four year undergraduate degree.

How do I become a lawyer in Australia?

25 related questions found

How many years does it take to study law in Australia?

Study Law in Australia

The Australian Law Degree Australian law schools confer the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and, in rarer cases, the Juris Doctor (JD). The LLB is a four year course of study, while the JD is a three year curriculum.

Is a law degree worth it Australia?

However, contrary to these bleak reports, data suggests that a law degree places you in good stead to secure employment in a variety of career fields. According to Graduate Careers Australia, 74 per cent of Australian law school graduates obtain full-time employment within four months of graduation.

Is studying law Hard 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.

Can you be a lawyer without going to university?

As previously mentioned, it's possible to join the legal profession without going to university at all. The CILEx CPQ route (where you can study to become a paralegal (Foundation), advanced paralegal (Advanced) or lawyer (Professional)) does not require a degree, or equivalent qualifications and experience.

How much do lawyers earn Australia?

The average lawyer salary in Australia is $116,519 per year or $59.75 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $99,801 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $149,660 per year.

Is maths needed for law?

No, mathematics is not necessary to opt for Law Course after 12th. After 12th one can apply for 5 years Integrated LL. B. Degree course through entrance exam like CLAT(Common Law Admission Test) for admission to reputed Institutions under National Law University.

Is it difficult to become a lawyer?

The challenging years of law school

Law schools are highly competitive to gain acceptance, and aspiring lawyers will need to pass the daunting LSAT to prove their worth—a process that can take a full year of study and preparation. ... Needless to say, becoming a lawyer isn't a get-rich-quick scenario.

Which subject is best for lawyer?

Here are the most useful high school subjects for future lawyers:
  • English. ...
  • Public speaking. ...
  • Social studies. ...
  • Science. ...
  • Mathematics. ...
  • Statistics and data science. ...
  • American history and government. ...
  • Communication.

What is the best law school in Australia?

Best universities for law degrees in Australia 2022
  • University of Melbourne.
  • UNSW Sydney.
  • Australian National University.
  • University of Sydney.
  • The University of Queensland.

How many years do you have to study to be a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer usually takes 7 years of full-time study after high school—4 years of undergraduate study, followed by 3 years of law school. Most states and jurisdictions require lawyers to complete a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

What is a good GPA for law in Australia?

You can study law (via the Juris Doctor) by completing a bachelor's degree after high school. You also need to complete your studies with the equivalent of a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.5 (out of 7.0), across all completed tertiary studies.

What subjects should I choose in Grade 10 to become a lawyer?

Required High School Subjects
  • English. In law school, you will be required to read a lot of case law, academic articles and textbooks. ...
  • Math v Math Literacy. Law school is about reading, reading and more reading. ...
  • History. ...
  • Business Studies, Accounting, Economics. ...
  • A third language. ...
  • Drama. ...
  • Physical Science and Biology.

What are good A levels for law?

Alternatively, what A-level subjects are useful for law? ... Many law students take at least one 'facilitating' subject such as a foreign language, maths, science, English, history or geography, which are deemed as good choices for students who want to keep their degree options flexible.

How do you know if you want to be a lawyer?

You may realize you want to be a lawyer if you are interested in upholding laws and defending an individual's rights. If you have a desire to help others, becoming a lawyer is a way to do this through a variety of career paths. Lawyers also use strong persuasive skills to argue for a position.

Why you shouldn't be a lawyer?

Deadlines, billing pressures, client demands, long hours, changing laws, and other demands all combine to make the practice of law one of the most stressful jobs out there. Throw in rising business pressures, evolving legal technologies, and climbing law school debt and it's no wonder lawyers are stressed.

What is a law student called?

law student - a student in law school. educatee, pupil, student - a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution. Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection.

Are there too many lawyers in Australia?

The scary fact is, there are only about 66,000 solicitors practicing law right now in Australia. There is a huge oversupply of legal graduates in Australia right now. This means that when you graduate with a law degree and go out to find a job, there isn't a lot of work available to you and it is very competitive.

What is the highest paid job in Australia?

The 15 highest-paying jobs in Australia
  • General counsel.
  • Anaesthetist.
  • Cardiologist.
  • General manager/project manager.
  • Company secretary.
  • Head of operations.
  • Surgeon.
  • Internal medicine specialist.

Which law degree pays the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:
  • Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ...
  • Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ...
  • Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ...
  • Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ...
  • Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

What type of lawyer earns the most in Australia?

WHAT TYPE OF LAWYER EARNS THE MOST?
  • General-In-House Lawyers came first, at an average annual salary of $128,988.
  • Constructions Lawyers came second highest, at an average annual salary of $124,041.
  • Corporate & Commercial Lawyers come third highest, at an average annual salary of $118,558.