So, you want to be a lawyer? Great! Now let’s talk about what really sets you up for success.
In Australia, becoming a lawyer involves three important steps:
- Obtain a law degree
- Complete practical legal training (PLT)
- Demonstrate your suitability for admission as a lawyer
And to practice law, you must hold a practising certificate issued in an Australian jurisdiction after admission and when you are employed.
With Leo Cussen’s PLT program, our expert support team is by your side as you work through the admission process. From personalised help with your application to one-on-one guidance at every stage, we’re here for you. And when the big day arrives, our lawyer mentors would be proud to stand beside you in court and move your admission.
But did you know that before you can be admitted, you need to show that you’re a “fit and proper person”?
This means you must show that you understand and uphold the essential qualities of a lawyer including honesty, candor and an understanding of your duties to the court, your clients and other lawyers.
Always do the right thing
Lawyers handle some serious matters. They deal with people’s lives, money, and in some cases their freedom. So, it’s really important that they’re honest, reliable and always do the right thing. That’s why, to become a lawyer, you need to disclose any matters which may impact on your suitability to be admitted as a lawyer.
If you have a criminal record, or have faced an academic conduct investigation, or even if you have a collection of fines you’ll need to disclose these and your past conduct when you apply for admission. It’s important to accurately disclose these matters and your reflection on them, so you can demonstrate that you are now a fit and proper person to be admitted as an Australian Lawyer.
Your application
The considerations for admitting authorities are very broad and can be very confusing. Getting your application for admission right the first time is critical and part of your duty to the court when you apply for admission as a lawyer.
As a PLT student at Leo Cussen, having access to our expert support team can be a huge relief. They’ll assist you throughout the admission process and guide you through each step. Your future in law starts here and we’re proud to be part of your journey.
Learn more
Watch the recording of our latest event Let’s Talk Getting Admitted. We dive deeper into this process and give you insights and the information you need to be prepared.
