Lawyer (NSW) | Job Guide

Lawyer (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a lawyer you usually have to study law at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12 with English. Students are often advised to undertake a combined degree course that leads to two degrees. The prerequisite subjects required for entry into these combined courses also depend on the non-law component of the combined course. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in law. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

You can also become a lawyer by completing the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board's Diploma in Law, followed by a period of practical legal training. Entry to this course is flexible and can be attained through a variety of ways. Visit www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lpab or contact the Admission Board for further details.

Additional Information:

Further study or practical training after the completion of a law degree may be required in order to become a legal practitioner. For further information on post-degree requirements, contact the Law Society of the ACT or the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Solicitors may work in private legal practices, either on their own or in a partnership. They may also work in state, territory or federal government departments, in community law centres or with business corporations.

Barristers are self-employed but normally practise in chambers with other barristers. Barristers may be promoted to Senior Counsel and eventually be appointed as a judge. Barristers and solicitors may also become magistrates.

Some lawyers do not remain within the profession, and move into administrative positions in commerce and industry or in the public service.