Solicitor
What does a solicitor do?
A solicitor is an admitted lawyer who advises and acts for clients on legal matters. They give legal advice, prepare and draft legal documents such as contracts and agreements, conduct research, and negotiate on their clients' behalf. Solicitors mostly work with clients out of court, and often brief barristers for court advocacy, though they can appear in court themselves. They may specialise in areas such as property, business, family, criminal or employment law.
Solicitors work in private law firms, in-house legal teams within companies, government agencies, and legal aid and community legal centres. The work is mostly office-based, with client meetings and court attendances, across cities and regional areas.
Is a career as a solicitor right for me?
A career as a solicitor may suit you if you enjoy detailed work, clear reasoning and helping people solve problems. You need strong research, writing and analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly and act ethically.
Other skills and attributes beneficial for this profession 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.
The ability to take initiative, demonstrate personal drive, and maintain a professional attitude.
Problem-solving and decision-making
The ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and make informed decisions.
How to become a solicitor
If you are exploring how to become a solicitor, the pathway is set out in law. You complete an accredited law degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws, then complete Practical Legal Training, and are admitted to the legal profession by the Supreme Court in your state or territory. In Queensland, admission is overseen by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board. To practise, you then hold a practising certificate from the law society in your state or territory.
A common path to becoming a solicitor:
- Complete an accredited law degree, such as UniSQ's Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD).
- Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT).
- Apply for admission to the legal profession through the Supreme Court in your state or territory.
- Obtain a practising certificate from the law society in your state or territory.
- Maintain your practising certificate and continuing professional development.
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 solicitor?
UniSQ's Bachelor of Laws takes three years of full-time study, or can be fast-tracked to two years over six consecutive trimesters, or longer if you study part-time. 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 graduating, you complete Practical Legal Training and apply for admission, which usually adds several months to a year. You then obtain a practising certificate to work as a solicitor.
Start your journey with UniSQ
Study law with UniSQ and gain an approved academic qualification accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of Queensland.
Responsibilities and work settings
Advising clients on their legal rights and obligations.
Drafting contracts, agreements and legal documents.
Conducting legal research.
Negotiating settlements on behalf of clients.
Managing case files and preparing court matters where required.
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
Solicitor FAQs
The terms lawyer, solicitor, and barrister are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings in Australia.
- Lawyer is a broad term for anyone who has completed legal qualifications and is admitted to practise law. Both solicitors and barristers are lawyers.
- Solicitor is a lawyer who works directly with clients, providing legal advice, preparing contracts and legal documents, handling negotiations, and managing legal matters. Solicitors may represent clients in some courts, but they often engage barristers for complex court cases.
- Barrister is a lawyer who specialises in courtroom advocacy and dispute resolution. Barristers are typically engaged by solicitors to provide expert legal opinions, prepare legal arguments, and represent clients in higher courts.
Related careers
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