Your path into legal practice
How to become a lawyer in Australia
The pathway is easier to understand when you separate study, practical training, admission and permission to practise.
The short answer
Complete an approved law qualification, finish Practical Legal Training, apply for admission through the admitting authority in your chosen state or territory, then obtain a practising certificate before you begin legal practice.
A law degree is the academic foundation. PLT teaches the practical skills expected of a new lawyer. Admission places your name on the roll of lawyers, while a practising certificate is the separate authority that lets you practise.
- 01
Complete an approved law qualification
Finish an accredited LLB, JD or other approved academic pathway that covers the prescribed areas of legal knowledge.
- 02
Complete Practical Legal Training
Build competence in legal writing, interviewing, negotiation, ethics, practice management and core practice areas, together with workplace experience.
- 03
Apply for admission
Apply through the admitting authority for your chosen jurisdiction and satisfy the academic, practical training, disclosure and fitness requirements.
- 04
Obtain a practising certificate
After admission, apply to the relevant solicitor or barrister regulator before undertaking legal practice.
Your law qualification comes first
Most applicants complete an accredited Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor. The course must cover the prescribed academic areas required for admission. If you studied overseas, do not assume your qualification is automatically accepted. Ask the admitting authority to assess it before choosing subjects or enrolling in PLT.
PLT turns legal knowledge into practical work
Practical Legal Training is the pre admission stage where you demonstrate entry level competence. At IOLT, the coursework is online and structured around realistic legal tasks. The course runs for 24 weeks and includes 20 days of workplace experience.
Admission is not the same as practising
The Supreme Court admits eligible applicants to the Australian legal profession. Admission alone does not authorise legal practice. A practising certificate is the next step and may carry a supervised legal practice condition.
Reviewed 28 July 2026
Check the current rules
Admission requirements can change. Use the official guidance below and confirm your position with the relevant admitting authority.
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a lawyer without a law degree?
You need an approved academic qualification for admission. In some jurisdictions an approved non university academic pathway may also be available. Check the admitting authority in the jurisdiction where you plan to apply.
Is PLT part of a law degree?
PLT is usually completed after the academic qualification. A limited early commencement exception may apply when only eligible elective subjects remain and the admitting authority gives prior approval.
Am I a lawyer as soon as I finish PLT?
No. PLT satisfies the practical training requirement. You must still complete the admission process and be admitted by the Supreme Court.
Can I practise immediately after admission?
Not usually. You need the appropriate practising certificate before engaging in legal practice. New practitioners commonly begin subject to supervised legal practice requirements.
Ready to plan your PLT?
Check your eligibility first, then choose a start date that works with your study, work and admission plans.