Lawyer
What does a lawyer do?
A lawyer, also known as a solicitor, is a legal professional who has extensive training and knowledge of the law. Applying their expertise, they provide legal advice to clients and work to provide the best outcome for them within the confines of the law and their ethical obligations. Careers in law often involve meeting with clients, conducting research, going to court, negotiating settlements, business development, and preparing legal arguments and documents.
If you’re considering the different types of lawyers, it’s worth noting you can become qualified as a corporate lawyer or specialise in, criminal, family, immigration, personal injury, real estate, intellectual property, animal, and environmental law. As a solicitor you could choose to work in a variety of settings including legal firms, government departments, corporate organisations, or not-for-profits.
Is a career as a lawyer right for me?
If you’ve got a strong moral compass and have always been partial to a good debate you might enjoy a legal career, including working as a lawyer. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include:
An ability to analyse and interpret information.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, supported by strong interpersonal skills.
A sound awareness and understanding of industry and trends.
Effective time-management and prioritisation skills.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
How to become a lawyer
Becoming a lawyer in Australia typically involves completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. After finishing your degree, you must complete practical legal training (PLT), and then apply for admission to the legal profession. Some lawyers also choose to specialise further through postgraduate qualifications in areas like corporate law, criminal law, or environmental law.
At UniSQ, we offer degrees that equip you with the essential legal knowledge and practical experience necessary to pursue a career in law, with opportunities to specialise in areas that interest you.
Every journey is individual, and there are several paths to reaching your career goals. Here is one common path to becoming a lawyer:
- Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent law qualification.
- Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) through an approved provider.
- Apply for admission as a lawyer in your state or territory.
- Obtain a practising certificate from the relevant legal profession authority.
- Develop professional experience and progress into more senior legal roles or areas of specialisation.
Accreditation and qualifications
To practise as a solicitor you must complete an accredited law degree, complete Practical Legal Training, be admitted to the legal profession by the Supreme Court, and hold a practising certificate. UniSQ's Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of Queensland and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland as an approved academic qualification. It satisfies the academic requirements; you must also complete Practical Legal Training to be admitted.
How long does it take to become a lawyer?
The time it takes to become a lawyer in Australia typically involves three to four years of full-time study to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). If you already have a bachelor degree in another field and want to switch career into law, you can complete UniSQ's Juris Doctor in three years (full-time study). After that, you must complete practical legal training (PLT), which generally takes six to twelve months. In total, it usually takes around five years to qualify as a practising lawyer, depending on the time taken for training and admission.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Build the foundation for a career in law with a UniSQ degree and gain the legal knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills needed to navigate complex legal issues.
Responsibilities and work settings
Advising clients on various legal matters and representing them in court.
Conducting research on past cases to guide and support current legal work.
Drafting legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and letters.
Preparing for court cases by organising witnesses, researching legal precedents, and developing legal arguments.
Managing financial records and overseeing client funds.
Instructing barristers to appear in court on behalf of clients when necessary.
Providing legal counsel on matters related to family law, commercial law, company law, partnerships, and trusts.
Handling conveyancing, drafting mortgage contracts, and overseeing property sales.
Acting as a trustee, guardian, or executor for clients’ wills, ensuring their wishes are carried out legally.
Law firms
Banks and financial institutions
Courts, tribunals and justice agencies
Government agencies, departments and councils
Non-profit, charity and community organisations
Universities and higher education providers
Lawyer FAQs
Please see the salary information on this page for further details.
Related careers
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