The study of law is the study of a system where a framework of rules is created and enforced through governmental or social institutions, varying from institutions or countries to regulate behaviour and ensure a fair, safe and equal world.
Lawyers generally provide legal advice to clients (individuals or organizations) when legal advice or assistance is required. Tasks and duties done by lawyers include: conducting research on the case, arranging witnesses, preparing and reviewing contracts, drawing up claims, acting as executor of will and representing clients in court (just to name a few)!
Different Types of Law
Types of Law | Specialization |
Criminal Law | Finding and punishing individuals who have broken the law – uncover the true perpetrator of a crime and bring justice to the victim of that crime |
Corporate Law | Ensuring businesses adhere to the set local and federal regulations in their operations |
International Law | Governs the interactions between different countries in ensuring safety of citizens |
Commercial Law | Deals with commerce, trade and consumer transactions, including bankruptcy, contracts, mortgages, real estate |
Family Law | Handles family relationships including divorce, child custody, adoption, child abuse or domestic violence |
Constitutional Law | Legal proceedings related to upholding or interesting the constitution of the country including civil rights and freedom of speech |
Labour Law | Focuses on relationships between employers and employees including ensuring employees are not being exploited, governing collective bargaining and benefits dispute |
Intellectual property law | Protects creators from copyright infringement including intangible creative works that are protected by copyrights or trademarks |
Steps to Become a Practicing Lawyer in Australia
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.
What is the difference between a Solicitor and Barristers?
Solicitor
A solicitor is a qualified legal practitioner that works out of court. Main responsibilities of solicitors include working directly with clients in providing legal advice, writing documents and contracts, negotiating with clients, conducting research and gathering evidence. Solicitors only represent their clients in court if necessary.
Barrister
A barrister generally focuses on litigation, which is the process of taking legal action. Main responsibility of the barrister is conducting court appearances to represent their clients. This includes presenting the case and representing and translating their client’s view into legal arguments.
It is important to note that in Australia, each state and territory acquires its own legal Bar authority where in order to become a Barrister, you need to gain entrance to the Bar Readers’ Course by taking the Bar exam and pass the course. It is important for you to understand that the pathway of becoming a lawyer upon graduation varies based on state or territories chosen. The process of becoming a lawyer typically requires a combination of 6-8 years of education and training. International students wishing to work as a Lawyer in Australia need to fulfil certain requirements to be eligible to apply for the ‘Temporary Graduate Visa’ upon completion of their education. Contact us for further assistance!
Average annual salary for law graduates varies significantly depending on your job position, country or state of practice along with other external factors. However, generally- An entry-level Lawyer can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$58,158 while a lawyer of 2-4 years of experience can expect to earn an average annual salary of around A$65,309. Mid-level & experienced lawyers with 5-20 years of experience can expect to earn from a range of $98,741 to A$117,446.
General Entry Requirements to Study Law in Australia
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
Qualification | Scores |
A-Levels | Min. 3A’s |
STPM | Min. 3A’s |
Malaysian Matriculation | Min. GPA 3.7 |
Australian Matriculation | Min. 95.5 |
UEC | Min. 5 A1 |
*NOTE : Different universities have different entry requirements. Contact us for more information!
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
Qualification | Scores |
IELTS | Min. 7.5 |
TOEFL (IBT) | Min. 105 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Min. 76 |
*NOTE : Different universities have different entry requirements. Contact us for more information!
Top Universities to Study Law in Australia
#1 University of New South Wales (UNSW)
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) offered at UNSW is a double degree program, which means you pair your legal studies with a bachelor’s degree in a non-law field of study.
Program Offered | Bachelor of Laws Examples of double degrees options:
|
Program Duration | 5- 7 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and September |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | A$37,920 – A$45,660 |
#2 University of Sydney
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) offered at University of Sydney is a double degree program, which means you pair your legal studies with a bachelor’s degree in a non-law field of study.
Program Offered | Bachelor of Law Examples of double degree options:
|
Program Duration | 5 years |
Intake | March and August |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | A$46,000 |
#3 Monash University
Program Offered | Bachelor of Laws |
Program Duration | 4.25 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | A$42,000 |
#4 University Technology of Sydney (UTS)
Program Offered | Bachelor of Laws |
Program Duration | 4 years (Full time) |
Intake | March and September |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | A$45,360 |
#5 University of Queensland
Program Offered | Bachelor of Law (Honours) |
Program Duration | 4 years (Full time) |
Intake | February and July |
Indicative Annual Fee (2021) | A$43,888 |
Recommended Articles to Read
About the Author
Raveena Rakni Suresh Raj
Leo baby & psych major
