A D M I S S I O N A D M I S S I O N

Victoria

Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for a Compliance Certificate and the Victorian Legal Admissions Board must be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to practice Finally, in order to be admitted, a person must attend an admission ceremony in the Supreme Court of Victoria, where they take an Oath and sign the Roll Once admitted, a person may apply to the Victorian Legal Services Board for a Practising Certificate A person must hold a current Practising Certificate to practise law in Victoria.

New South Wales

Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for admission and then take an Oath and sign the Roll of Australian Lawyers at admission day at the Supreme Court of New South Wales, where they will receive their Certificate of Admission After being admitted, a person may apply for a Practising Certificate issued by the Council of the Law Society of New South Wales in order to practise law in New South Wales.

Queensland

Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers Graduates who have successfully completed their PLT must then lodge an application for admission to the Roll of Lawyers and the Admissions Board must be satisfied of their fitness to practice A person must then apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Queensland

South Australia

Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. They must also have those qualifications formally accredited by the Board of Examiners prior to admission. Graduates must then lodge an application for admission. The Supreme Court must be satisfied that the applicant is suitable for admission A person must then attend an admission ceremony After a person has been admitted and signed the Roll of Practitioners, they are able to apply for a Practising Certificate, which allows them to practise law in South Australia

Western Australia

Requires a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (‘PLT’) in the form of Supervised Legal Training or a Practical Legal Training Course by approved providers. Graduates must then make an application for admission. A person must attend an admission ceremony, where they will take an Oath and sign the Roll. Finally, a person must apply for a Practising Certificate to practise law in Western Australia

United State of America

Requirements vary from state to state, however, the USA generally requires either a Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Law (LLM) These are necessary in order to sit the relevant state bar examination Some states, such as New York, allow Australian Graduates to sit State bar exams

United Kingdom

Requires a LLB or JD. The UK also requires graduates to have completed a Practical Legal Training course Lawyers that have been admitted to practice in Australia can practice in the UK as Solicitors by transferring through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) under the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS).

Singapore

Requires LLM or JD from an approved university Any person seeking to be admitted must first be twenty-one years of age or older Prospective lawyers must also sit the Bar examination and complete a six-month Practical Training Contract.

Hong Kong

Requires a person to be a valid legal practitioner in their jurisdiction of admission and to have been practising in their said jurisdiction for at least three years Hopeful candidates will need to pass the Barrister’s Qualification Examination (BQE).

China

Lawyers from other countries are able to work for law firms in China but are not authorised to practise law. Chinese law heavily restricts a person’s ability to give legal advice. Australian qualified lawyers should thoroughly discuss these restrictions with any prospective Chinese law firms.

Japan

Lawyers from other countries may seek approval from the Minister of Justice and register as foreign lawyers in Japan. A successful applicant will need to hold a current licence to practice in their home country, have at least 3 years post-qualification legal work experience, have a business plan, and currently live in Japan.

Europe

The majority of European countries require both an LLB and LLM. Obtaining a licence or diploma in one country allows you to practice in another. Memberships of individual Bar associations are sometimes required by countries to use the title of ‘lawyer’, however, you may still practise law.

The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) represents over 20,000 lawyers and legal professionals in Victoria, interstate, and overseas. The LIV provides commitment, diversity, and expertise to shape Victoria's laws and ensure justice for all.

The LIV advocates for social and public welfare in the court and legal systems. They also promote education and public confidence in the legal profession and the law-making and administration processes

As the peak body for the Victorian Legal Profession, the LIV initiates programs to support the evolving needs of the profession They actively promote law reform, address community issues, offer continuing legal education, and provide expert services and resources.

The LIV is a non-profit organisation dedicated to its members and the development, maintenance and sustenance of the law for the benefit of the community.

The LIV’s commitment to the development of your legal career begins well before your first job Their education, mentoring and the networking opportunities are specifically tailored to support growth as a student and graduate, to ensure adequate preparation for launching a successful career.

The LIV Young Lawyers Law Student Membership provides exclusive access to a broad range of resources and opportunities that help navigate the initial stages of your legal career. These include:

Education, networking and career development opportunities including access to the LIV Young Lawyers educational programs, resources, networks and support You will be invited to attend Lawyer networking events including the annual LIV Legal Careers Fair which provides guidance to help define a career path and opportunities to connect with other legal professionals

Well-being and personal development support, including access to the LIV’s mentor program, confidential support and counselling services through the Employee Assistance Program

Resources, research and support services including access to the LIV’s Law Library’s extensive resources, books and other online legal databases, as well as discounts on legal texts, books and forms purchased from the LIV Law Book’s website and bookshop

Advocacy and influence through joining one of the LIV Young Lawyers’ sub-committees for lawyers who are new to the progression

Contribute submissions to Young Lawyers publications. Stay informed of the latest legal updates through Student LawNews, access expert career advice and fresh insights into the future of the profession via the Young Lawyers Online Resource Centre, blog and quarterly journal

LIV Student membership is free and will allow you to access the great benefits and opportunities available.

For additional information, please visit the LIV website or email younglaw@liv.asn.au

The LIV Seasonal Clerkship and Trainee Guidelines ensure consistency and fairness throughout the legal recruitment process The Guidelines provide the agreed framework for the dates and communication protocols for the making of offers for seasonal clerkship and traineeship positions by signatory law firms, and the acceptance of offers by law students

The LIV values the commitment that all signatories make towards ensuring compliance with these guidelines as the leading industry structure that supports the legal recruitment process.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for clerkship a student must be in their final or penultimate year of study Students who have already completed their law degree are eligible to apply, however applications will be accepted at the discretion of each Signatory

Applications for graduate positions will open no earlier than 10am Thursday 10th August, 2023 and will close no later than 11 59pm Wednesday 23rd August, 2023

Each Signatory is responsible for setting its own application process and this aspect of the recruitment process is outside the scope of these Guidelines and the LIV’s involvement

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the graduate application process and policies of any Signatory to which they are applying and allow sufficient time for lodgement of their application.

All interviews for clerkship positions are permitted to be conducted by electronic means.

An applicant who, due to “genuine necessity” will be unable to attend an interview during the interview period should apply to the LIV for permission to be interviewed at a date outside the application dates.

“Genuine Necessity” will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the LIV Applications should be made to the LIV Young Lawyers Manager in writing and include appropriate supporting documentation Written permission is to be granted at the sole discretion of the LIV Where an unforeseen error occurs in the lodgement of an application made pursuant to these Guidelines, the student may make a case for consideration to the relevant Signatory, but it is at the discretion of the Signatory concerned as to whether the application is accepted.

Business Day is defined as Monday to Friday

Business Hours is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm

A Signatory may make an offer of a clerkship to a student no earlier than 10am Wednesday 18th October, 2023

Any offer of clerkship must remain open for a minimum period of four (4) business hours from the time the offer was made, or until the following business day for offers made after 1pm, pursuant to paragraph 7(d). Students must not hold more than four (4) clerkship offers for a period of more than two (2) Business Hours. All offers made pursuant to paragraph 7(b) of these Guidelines will be made by email. All email offers must detail:

(i) the terms of the offer; and

(ii) that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines Signatories are permitted to make follow up calls to offerees once the offer has been made by email

An offer made under these Guidelines applies to clerkships within a one (1) year period from the date of offer but can be extended in circumstances agreed between the student and the Signatory for a further one (1) year period if a student requests a deferral of the clerkship. Signatories are not obligated to offer clerkships each year but if they do, they must follow the Guidelines.

Subject to paragraph 8(c), any offer made under these Guidelines relates to a graduate position commencing in 2024

To be eligible to apply for a graduate position a student must have already completed their law degree or will commence their final semester in 2023

Successful applicants who have already completed their law degree are eligible to commence their graduate position prior to 2024 by agreement between the law firm and the applicant.

Applications for graduate positions will open no earlier than 10am Thursday 10th August, 2023 and will close no later than 11 59pm Wednesday 23rd August, 2023

Each Signatory is responsible for setting its own application process and this aspect of the recruitment process is outside the scope of these Guidelines and the LIV’s involvement. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the graduate application process and policies of any Signatory to which they are applying and allow sufficient time for lodgement of their application. All interviews for graduate positions are permitted to be conducted by electronic means.

An applicant who, due to “genuine necessity” will be unable to attend an interview during the interview period should apply to the LIV for permission to be interviewed at a date outside the application dates

“Genuine Necessity” will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the LIV Applications should be made to the LIV Young Lawyers Manager in writing and include appropriate supporting documentation Written permission is to be granted at the sole discretion of the LIV. Where an unforeseen error occurs in the lodgement of an application made pursuant to these Guidelines, the student may make a case for consideration to the relevant Signatory, but it is at the discretion of the Signatory concerned as to whether the application is accepted.

Business Day is defined as Monday to Friday

Business Hours is defined as the period between 9am and 5pm Priority Offer is defined as an offer made pursuant to paragraph 10(b).

In accordance with paragraph 10, Signatories may make priority offers of a graduate position to the following students:

(i)

(ii) students who within the previous two (2) years preceding the date of making the offer referred to in this paragraph, have substantially completed a clerkship of at least two (2) weeks duration with the offering firm, either in Victoria or at 2023 LIV Clerkship and Graduate Program Guidelines 7 one of the firm’s interstate or international offices or virtually; or students who during the previous two (2) years and for a minimum period of ten (10) working days, have performed paralegal work for the offering firm, either in Victoria or at one of the firm’s interstate or international offices or virtually.

Offers made pursuant to paragraph 10(b)(i) and 10(b)(ii) are at the discretion of the Signatory.

It is accepted that Signatories invite students to express their interest in being considered for a Priority Offer at the conclusion of their clerkship

Subject to paragraph 10(f), Signatories intending to make Priority Offers are not permitted to interview market graduate applicants or to make offers or arrangements concerning market graduate applicants prior to making a Priority Offer Signatories are permitted to interview paragraph 10(b)(ii) Priority Offer candidates before making a Priority Offer.

The Priority Offers made pursuant to this paragraph can be made either in writing and/or by telephone no earlier than 10am Tuesday 8th August, 2023

A Priority Offer must remain open until the earlier of acceptance/rejection in accordance with paragraphs 10(i) and 10(j) or 4pm on Wednesday 9 August 2023

An applicant will not hold more than two (2) Priority Offers for longer than a two (2) hour-period

An applicant must accept/reject any Priority Offer received within four (4) Business Hours of it being made For avoidance of doubt, Priority Offers made at 1pm must be accepted or rejected by 5pm on the same Business Day. Priority Offers made after 1pm must be accepted or rejected by 10am the following Business Day.

A graduate position can be deferred in circumstances agreed between the student and the firm for a further one (1) year period if the student requests a deferral of the graduate position

Except as provided in paragraph 10, Signatories may make offers of graduate positions to eligible students no earlier than 10am Wednesday 4th October, 2023. All offers made pursuant to this paragraph will be made by email. All email offers must detail:

(i)

(ii) the terms of the offer; and that the offer is made pursuant to these Guidelines

Signatories will not make follow-up calls to offerees before 11am on the date of offer

Except as provided in paragraph 10, an offer of a graduate position will remain open for a period of not less than twenty-four (24) hours from the time the offer was made or until 11am the following Business Day for offers made prior to 11am. Signatories should make this known to students at the time of making offers in accordance with this paragraph.

A graduate position can be deferred in circumstances agreed between the student and the firm for a further one (1) year period if the student requests a deferral of the graduate position Signatories are not obligated to offer graduate positions each year but if they do, they must follow the Guidelines

In order to be admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course or a Supervised Workplace Training Programme must first be completed. Upon completion of a PLT, you will be awarded with a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice which further allows you to apply for admission as a Legal Practitioner In the majority of circumstances, a PLT is undertaken after the completion of a law degree. However, exceptions can be made by seeking approval from the Council of Legal Education Board of Examiners to commence your PLT prior to the completion of your law degree. Effectively, a PLT course prepares you for real world and practical situations including drafting documents, interviewing clients, advocacy negotiation, and other skills that are essential for every practising lawyer

How long will it take:

PLT courses generally take anywhere between 15 to 30 weeks to complete, depending on whether they are studied part-time or full-time

How much does it cost:

The price of a PLT course is dependent on the institution. For domestic students, the PLT course will cost approximately between $10,000 - $12,000. There are differences in prices based on providers, and whether you are a domestic or international student Work experience can also count towards your PLT course, keeping your fees lower FEE-HELP is also available for PLT courses

Where can I do it:

There are three PLT providers in Australia:

Leo Cussen Centre For Law [https://www leocussen edu au/]

The College of Law [https://www.collaw.edu.au/]

The Australian College of Applied Professions [https://www.acap.edu.au/plt/]

How do I get in:

Each PLT provider has its own distinctive methods for application Commonly, however, you are only required to fill out forms and submit both your academic transcript and resume. The intention of each institution is to use your resume and transcript to assess your commitment to utilise the PLT course to its full potential. A student who demonstrates their willingness will inherently be selected over those who fail to do so

Points to consider:

When deciding on your PLT course, it is wise to ask yourself whether you wish to complete it online or onsite. The decision should be influenced by factors such as your own flexibility, your requirements, and whether you intend to work in an office environment It is also worth considering whether you feel comfortable finding placement for yourself as part of the course or whether you wish to be assigned one.