One of the most exciting things about studying law is the variety of career opportunities available. Whether you’re interested in advocacy, business, technology or helping individuals through difficult situations, there’s a legal career to suit your interests.

This guide introduces some of the main areas of law in Australia and explains how they fit into the legal profession.

Solicitor or barrister?

Most lawyers in Australia practise as either solicitors or barristers.

Solicitors work directly with clients, providing legal advice, managing matters and representing clients in a wide range of legal settings. While many solicitors appear in court, others focus on transactions, negotiations, contracts or advisory work.

Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy and complex disputes. After admission, they complete additional training before joining the Bar and are typically briefed by solicitors to represent clients in court.

Areas of law you could explore

Law offers a wide range of career opportunities. Some of the most common areas include:

• Administrative Law
• Animal Welfare Law
• Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
• Civil Litigation
• Consumer Law
• Corporate and Business Law
• Criminal Law
• Employment Law
• Environmental and Planning Law
• Estate Planning
• Family Law
• Finance and Banking Law
• Human Rights Law
• Intellectual Property
• Media and Entertainment Law
• Personal Injury Law
• Property Law
• Taxation Law
• Technology Law
• Trusts Law

Choosing the right path

It’s completely normal not to know which area of law you’d like to work in.

Many graduates discover their interests through university electives, work experience, professional placement or their first legal role. Your career may also evolve over time as you gain experience and explore different opportunities.

The important thing is building practical skills that can be applied across the legal profession, regardless of where your career takes you.

Build skills that apply across every area of law

No matter which area of law interests you, every lawyer needs strong communication, problem solving, client management and practical legal skills.

At Leo Cussen, Practical Legal Training (PLT) helps you develop those skills through realistic client matters, immersive practical learning and guidance from practising lawyers.

Whether you see yourself in a courtroom, advising businesses or supporting individuals, you’ll graduate with the capability, practical experience and confidence to take the next step in your legal career.