Admission and practising certificates are different

Admission makes you an Australian lawyer. A practising certificate is the separate authority you generally need before engaging in legal practice.

See the admission pathway Apply for PLT

AdmissionPuts your name on the roll of lawyers

Practising certificateAuthority to engage in the legal practice covered by the certificate

New practitionersCommonly begin subject to supervised practice conditions

They are two separate steps

Being admitted does not by itself mean you can immediately practise without restriction.

Admission gives you professional status as an Australian lawyer. If you intend to practise as a solicitor or barrister, the next step is to obtain the appropriate practising certificate through the relevant regulator or professional body.

Admission

Practising certificate

Granted through the Supreme Court admission process

Issued by the relevant professional regulator

Makes you an Australian lawyer

Authorises the legal practice described by the certificate

Normally occurs once

Must be kept current and renewed

Does not alone permit legal practice

Can include supervised practice and other conditions

From PLT to legal practice

Keep these stages separate. Each one has its own documents, decision-maker and requirements.

Complete PLT and other requirements

Obtain the practical training evidence and any other material required for your admission application.

Be admitted

Complete the Supreme Court admission process and have your name entered on the roll of lawyers.

Apply for the right certificate

Use the solicitor regulator or Bar pathway that applies to the work you intend to do.

Comply with its conditions

New practitioners commonly work under supervision until the applicable requirements are completed.

New lawyers usually begin under supervision

A first practising certificate commonly limits the holder to supervised legal practice. The required period and the process for removing the condition depend on the applicable legislation and regulator.

Do not assume the condition disappears automaticallyWhen you complete the required supervised practice, you may need to apply to have the condition removed from your certificate.

Solicitor and barrister pathways differ

Admission is a common starting point. The practising certificate process then depends on whether you intend to practise as a solicitor or barrister and on the jurisdiction where you will practise.

Frequently asked questions

Can I call myself a lawyer after admission?

Admission makes you an Australian lawyer. You must still avoid suggesting that you are entitled to engage in legal practice if you do not hold the required practising certificate.

Can I give legal advice without a practising certificate?

Engaging in legal practice generally requires a current practising certificate, subject to limited statutory exceptions. Check the regulator before performing legal work.

How long does supervised legal practice last?

The period depends on the jurisdiction and pathway. Check the current requirements of the regulator that will issue your practising certificate.

Does a practising certificate renew automatically?

No. Practising certificates operate for a defined period and renewal requirements apply. Follow the process set by your regulator.

Still at the PLT stage?

Check your eligibility and complete the practical training step before moving on to admission and practising certificate requirements.

Check eligibility Apply for PLT

This guide provides general information and is not legal advice. Admission and practising requirements are controlled by the relevant authority and may change.