Explore different types of law in Australia, from criminal and family to corporate and tech law, and see how to launch your legal career.
If you’re studying law or thinking about it, you’ve probably heard of some of the common legal roles and fields. But law is varied, and there are many areas you can specialise in once you graduate.
This guide gives you an overview of the main types of law in Australia, what each area involves and how you might get there.
Here are some of the main areas of law in Australia you can specialise in:
Solicitors vs Barristers in Australia
In Australia, lawyers typically practise as either solicitors or barristers.
- Solicitors work directly with clients, handling legal matters from start to finish. Many appear in court, but some do little or no court work, focusing instead on contracts, transactions, negotiations or advice.
- Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy and complex disputes. They complete extra training, exams, and supervision before joining the Bar and are usually engaged by solicitors to represent clients in court.
Main Fields of Law in Australia
Administrative Law
Focuses on government decisions and regulations, ensuring accountability through merits reviews, investigations and judicial reviews.
Animal Welfare Law
Advocates for animal rights and protection, often advocating for animals where laws classify animals as property.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law
Helps individuals or businesses manage debt and severe financial hardship.
Civil Litigation Law
Resolves disputes between individuals or organisations, usually over money or contracts, without criminal charges.
Consumer Law
Protects buyers of goods and services, covering warranties, refunds and unfair trade practices.
Corporate and Business Law
Covers company operations, mergers, acquisitions, governance and insolvency.
Criminal Law
Deals with offences against people, property, and the state, requiring strong advocacy skills.
Employment and Labour Law
Governs workplace rights, covering contracts, unfair dismissal, discrimination and more.
Environmental and Planning Law
Addresses environmental protection, climate change and land use planning.
Estate and Will Planning Law
Manages wills, estates and asset transfers after death.
Family Law
Covers divorce, custody, property settlements and family violence matters.
Finance and Banking Law
Focuses on legal issues in banking and finance, from contracts to liquidations.
Human Rights Law
Protects individuals from discrimination and persecution, often working with refugees and asylum seekers.
Intellectual Property and Copyright Law
Safeguards inventions, brands and creative works.
Media, Arts, and Entertainment Law
Supports clients in the creative industries with legal and contractual matters.
Personal Injury Law
Represents clients injured at their workplace, in a motor accident, or due to another person’s negligence or misconduct.
Real Estate and Property Law
Covers property ownership, sales, leasing and development projects.
Taxation Law
Manages tax compliance, disputes and legislation at state and federal levels.
Technology Law
Addresses digital regulation, privacy, cybersecurity and tech innovation issues.
Trusts Law
Oversees arrangements where assets are held and managed for beneficiaries.
How to Choose Your Legal Career Path
Every legal field offers unique challenges and rewards. While the subject matter differs, the journey to becoming a lawyer is similar; complete your law degree, finish your Practical Legal Training (PLT) and get admitted to practice.
At Leo Cussen, our PLT program is built on real-world learning, supportive mentors and the skills you need to hit the ground running.
Whether you see yourself in a courtroom, negotiating deals or advocating for change, we’ll help you get there.
Ready to explore your options?
Discover how our PLT program can set you up for success across all types of law in Australia. Your career starts here.
