GUIDE TO ADMISSION TO PRACTICE
New South Wales
It is a very major achievement which means you become part of the legal profession, which today offers a multiplicity of career options across a broad range of sectors.
Requirements for admission to practice
Are you ready to seek admission to practise as a lawyer? To do so, you’ll need to:
• Have completed your Bachelor of Laws or equivalent course
• Have completed a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program
• Be a fit and proper person
Step 1. Proof of PLT Qualification – College of Law
To apply for admission you will require a Certificate of Completion from The College of Law for your Practical Legal Training (Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice).
You will receive certified digital copies of your College of Law graduation documents including the Certificate of Completion through the My eQuals portal.
To obtain your Certificate of Completion you will need to have completed all three components of your PLT Program and provided any documentation at least three weeks before the deadline for your court admission application.
Step 2. Apply for Admission
The Admitting Authority in New South Wales is the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). You will be admitted through the Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Go to the LPAB website
Go to Admission as a Lawyer and then download the Guide for Applicants for Admission.
Read the Guide thoroughly. The Overview of the application process is a good checklist to work through.
Important points to note
• The LPAB advises you to lodge your application at least 5 weeks before your desired admission date
• You need to book your admission ceremony – bookings close 7 calendar days before the ceremony
• There are various documents you’ll need to provide including two character references as well as your academic qualifications
• The College can provide a mover i.e. someone who moves your admission, if you are unable to arrange your own mover, contact support@collaw.edu.au
• You need to apply for a Practising Certificate after your admission, through either the Law Society of NSW or the NSW Bar Association.
Now you’re ready to apply to your admitting authority.
1. Coursework 2. CPE 3. Work experienceBeing admitted to practice is the culmination of your investment in your undergraduate studies followed by your practical legal training.Asiya Chebbo, 2023 College of Law PLT graduate and lawyer