Leslie Massey
Aspiring lawyers in Western Australia must satisfy several requirements before they can practise law. These include completing an undergraduate law degree, undergoing practical legal training, and applying for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Additionally, newly admitted legal practitioners must obtain an Australian practising certificate and be supervised while gaining professional experience. The road to becoming a lawyer is not limited to these steps, as individuals may also pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) or double degrees in law and other disciplines to broaden their career prospects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor, or equivalent course |
| Practical Experience | Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) and gain legal workplace experience |
| Admission | Apply for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia |
| Certification | Obtain an Australian practising certificate |
| Supervision | Be supervised during your initial practice |
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What You'll Learn
Study a Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor, or equivalent course
To become a lawyer in Western Australia, you must complete your Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor, or equivalent course. This can be done either through a standalone Bachelor of Laws or a Law double degree, which combines law with another discipline. A standalone law degree will typically take four years to complete, but some universities, such as Curtin University, offer accelerated programs that can be completed in three years.
If you are pursuing a Law double degree, your course will take between 4.5 to 5.5 years to complete. At Curtin University, for example, you would complete your first year in semesters at Curtin Perth, while your second and third years would be carried out in trimesters at the Curtin Law School campus in Perth City, located in the heart of the city's legal and court precinct. You can pair your law studies with a double degree in a range of disciplines, including a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Innovation, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science (Psychology).
Alternatively, you can pursue a Juris Doctor (JD), which is a postgraduate legal qualification. The University of Western Australia (UWA), for example, offers a three-year Juris Doctor program that can be undertaken after completing a bachelor's degree in any discipline. To be eligible for UWA's Juris Doctor program, you must have completed your bachelor's degree with the equivalent of a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 5.5 out of 7.0 across all completed tertiary studies.
Regardless of whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor, your law degree will provide you with a theoretical understanding of the law, which is essential for your future career as a lawyer.
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Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is a mandatory step on the path to becoming a lawyer in Western Australia. It is a structured training program designed to help graduates hone the practical skills they need to become entry-level lawyers. PLT courses typically award graduates with a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice.
In Western Australia, Curtin University is currently the only university that directly offers a complete pathway from high school to admission to legal practice, including PLT. Their Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PLT) course can be taken straight after completing a law degree. This eight-month course will equip graduates with the practical requirements for legal admission and further knowledge and skills for their professional legal careers. As part of the course, students are required to gain legal workplace experience, and Curtin's PLT team can assist with gaining a legal work experience placement.
It is possible to start PLT at Curtin before completing an undergraduate law degree, provided there is only one or two optional subjects left to complete. This means that students can gain practical legal experience while completing their studies.
Once you have completed your PLT, you can apply for admission as a lawyer in Western Australia. This involves applying to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, in conjunction with the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. You will also need to apply for an Australian practising certificate and be supervised in your practice while you gain professional experience.
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Apply for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia
To become a lawyer in Western Australia, you must complete several steps, including obtaining the necessary education and training, fulfilling the ethical requirements, and undergoing the admission process. The final step in becoming a lawyer is applying for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, which finalises your transition from student to lawyer. Here is a detailed guide on how to apply for admission:
Educational Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, you must first complete an undergraduate law degree. This can be a standalone Bachelor of Laws or a double degree combining law with another discipline, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, or Bachelor of Science. Obtaining your law degree provides you with a theoretical understanding of the law, which is essential for your legal career.
Practical Legal Training (PLT)
After completing your law degree, you must undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT). This training equips you with the practical skills and knowledge needed for your legal career. PLT programs typically include mandatory legal workplace experience, helping you apply your legal knowledge in a practical context. Completing your PLT is a crucial step before applying for admission to the Supreme Court.
Ethical Requirements
Before applying for admission, you must demonstrate to the admitting authority that you are a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession. This involves disclosing any relevant criminal, academic, or general misconduct. Ensuring the ethical standards of legal professionals is essential, as they will be responsible for interpreting, arguing, and drafting the law.
Application Process
The application process for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia is administered by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Applicants should refer to the relevant legal frameworks, including the Legal Profession Uniform Law (WA) and the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2022. The application is made through an originating motion for admission, which must be submitted at least two months before the proposed date of admission. Applicants are encouraged to use the current electronic template for the motion, providing their information accurately.
Admission Ceremony
The Supreme Court of Western Australia conducts admission ceremonies to finalise the admission process. During the ceremony, you will either swear or affirm your oath, receiving a copy beforehand to read aloud. You may also request to affirm your oath using your own religious text. Attendance at the ceremony is mandatory unless you are admitted under the Mutual Recognition (Western Australia) Act 2020. The ceremony completes your transition to a legal practitioner, and you will receive your Certificate of Admission.
By following these steps and successfully applying for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, you will have fulfilled the requirements to practise law in the state and can begin your legal career.
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Obtain an Australian practising certificate
To obtain an Australian practising certificate, you must first be admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of an Australian state or territory. This involves demonstrating to the admitting authority that you are a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession. This includes disclosing any criminal, academic, or general misconduct. Once admitted, you will need to obtain a practising certificate, generally issued by the local legal professional body.
There are two types of practising certificates: restricted and unrestricted. The type of certificate you require depends on your employer and the nature of your practice. A restricted practising certificate does not entitle the holder to practice as the principal of a law practice, whereas an unrestricted practising certificate does. Practising certificates are available free of charge to lawyers undertaking specified pro bono legal work. However, holders of volunteer certificates must still arrange appropriate professional indemnity insurance and can only undertake pro bono work.
To apply for an Australian practising certificate, you may need to attach a copy of your Certificate of Admission or current interstate practising certificate. If you intend to practice in a jurisdiction other than where you were admitted, you may also need to provide a Certificate of Fitness and Good Standing, which will detail your current practising certificate status. The application process for a practising certificate can vary depending on the state or territory, so it is important to refer to the relevant admitting body for specific requirements and processes.
In addition to obtaining a practising certificate, it is important to be aware of the ongoing requirements to maintain your certification. For example, practising certificate holders in NSW must comply with the Legal Profession Uniform Continuing Professional Development (Solicitors) Rules 2015 and complete ten CPD units each year. Failure to comply with the conditions of your practising certificate can result in disciplinary action.
Finally, it is worth noting that Australian-qualified lawyers may also be eligible for automatic admission and practising certificates in other jurisdictions, such as New Zealand, through the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA). Similarly, Australian lawyers can work in certain foreign jurisdictions, such as China and Hong Kong, with some restrictions.
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Gain professional experience
Gaining professional experience is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a lawyer in Western Australia. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate this process effectively:
Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Enrolling in a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program is a mandatory step in gaining practical experience as a lawyer in Western Australia. This training equips you with the practical skills needed for entry into the legal profession. Curtin University in Western Australia offers a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PLT), an eight-month course that prepares you for the requirements of legal admission.
Legal Work Experience
As part of your PLT course, gaining legal workplace experience is essential. Curtin University's PLT team assists students in obtaining legal work experience placements. These placements provide you with hands-on exposure to the legal profession, allowing you to apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting.
Admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia
Once you've completed your law degree and PLT, you can apply for admission to the Supreme Court of Western Australia, in conjunction with the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. This admission process typically involves demonstrating your ethical character and suitability for the legal profession. You may be required to disclose any relevant criminal, academic, or general misconduct.
Australian Practising Certificate
After being admitted as a legal practitioner, you'll need to obtain an Australian practising certificate. This certificate is issued by the Legal Practice Board, which is the independent statutory authority responsible for advancing the administration of justice and ensuring compliance among legal practitioners in Western Australia.
Supervision and Mentorship
As a newly admitted lawyer, you'll be supervised in your practice while gaining professional experience. This mentorship period allows you to develop your skills further under the guidance of experienced legal professionals. It ensures that you transition smoothly from your student life to your new career as a lawyer.
Remember to stay updated with the most recent information and requirements regarding admissions and legal practice in Western Australia, as these guidelines may evolve over time.
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