Career Countdown: Breaking Down the Steps to Becoming a Lawyer in Australia
With its prestigious and demanding nature, a career in law is highly sought after by many ambitious individuals. Aspiring lawyers in Australia must navigate a multi-step process that spans several years of education and practical experience before they can officially practice law. So, if you’re considering this path, here’s a breakdown of the steps you need to take to become a lawyer in Australia.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step towards becoming a lawyer is earning a Bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific undergraduate course requirement, most students pursue a degree in law, also known as an LLB (Bachelor of Laws), or a combined degree program that includes both law and another discipline. Typically, this degree takes three to four years to complete, providing a solid foundation in legal principles and concepts.
Step 2: Complete a Practical Legal Training (PLT) Course
Once you’ve obtained a Bachelor’s degree, you need to undertake what is known as a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course. This course bridges the gap between academic studies and professional practice, providing aspiring lawyers with practical skills essential for the legal profession. The PLT course lasts approximately six months and includes a mix of coursework, practical exercises, and work experience.
There are several providers of PLT courses, each offering their own programs. It’s crucial to choose a course that is accredited by the admitting authority in the state or territory where you intend to practice. Popular options include programs offered by the College of Law and Leo Cussen Centre for Law.
Step 3: Apply for Admission to Practice
Once you complete the PLT course, you are then eligible to apply for admission to legal practice. This involves submitting an application to the Supreme Court in the state or territory where you wish to practice. The application typically requires supporting documents such as academic transcripts, character references, and a completed application form.
Upon receiving approval, you will be admitted to the legal profession as a lawyer, granted the right to practice law in the jurisdiction you have applied to. However, it’s important to note that admitting authorities may have additional requirements, such as completing a period of supervised practice.
Step 4: Further Study or Practical Experience (Optional)
After being admitted to practice, some individuals choose to pursue further study to specialize in a specific area of law. Undertaking a Master’s degree in law, known as an LLM (Master of Laws), can deepen your knowledge and enhance your career prospects. Alternatively, gaining practical experience by working as a lawyer in a law firm or a government agency can be a valuable option for professional growth.
Step 5: Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Lawyers in Australia are required to engage in Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to maintain their knowledge and skills up to date. CPD activities include attending seminars, workshops, conferences, and completing legal research, among others. Each year, lawyers must accrue a specific number of CPD points, with the exact requirements determined by their local admitting authority.
Embarking on a career in law requires dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning. From completing a Bachelor’s degree to undertaking a PLT course and gaining admission to practice, the journey to becoming a lawyer in Australia involves several critical steps. By understanding and navigating these steps, aspiring lawyers can work towards achieving their dream of a successful legal career.
