To become a Lawyer in Australia you will need to go through multiple steps:
1. Complete a Bachelor of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD)
To become a practicing lawyer, you would need to undertake either a Bachelor of Law (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). LLB is suitable for students who do not already possess a degree whilst a JD is suitable for students who already have a degree in another discipline. Typically, both of these courses take 4-5 years to complete.
2. Complete a Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Law graduates who wish to become certified lawyers need to undergo Practical Legal Training otherwise known as the ‘Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice’ assessed by the Legal Admissions Board varying by each state or territory in Australia. This qualification focuses on practical skills needed to become a lawyer and can be attained within a minimum of 6 months. Another alternative option would be through the Legal Practice Experience which is an 80 day supervised legal practice with an experienced lawyer.
3. Admission to Legal Practice
Application to the Law Admissions Authority at the state or territories of choice to practice is then applied by law graduates within 5 years of graduation.
4. Apply for Practicing Certificate from the local Law Society
Final step of transition to becoming a practicing lawyer is to complete an 18 to 24 months of supervised practice before the application to the Law Society of the state for Practising Certificate.
NOTE: Australia operates a system of Solicitors and Barristers. Once you have become a practising lawyer, you are able to decide if you want to remain as a Solicitor or move onto becoming a Barrister.