How to become a lawyer

How to become a lawyer

Shape the future of law with a career that reflects who you are and what you care about.

Whether you’re driven by social justice, commercial law, policy or advocacy, understanding the steps to becoming a lawyer will help you achieve the kind of legal career you want. From choosing the right degree and meeting accreditation requirements, to completing practical legal training and securing your first role, each stage develops the skills you need to stand up for others, solve complex problems and navigate the legal system with confidence.

In Australia, the term “lawyer” is a general label that refers to both barristers and solicitors.

The difference between a solicitor and a barrister

Becoming a lawyer

1

Step 1. Complete an accredited law degree

Which law course you apply for will depend on your education history. If you do not have an existing undergraduate qualification, then you should apply for the Bachelor of Laws. If you have an undergraduate qualification in an unrelated discipline, then you should apply for the Juris Doctor.

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Laws

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Postgraduate study

Juris Doctor

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Explore RMIT's law courses

Study a law double degree

Designed to complement each other and expand your career opportunities, RMIT offers law double degree combinations with accounting, business, commerce, and professional communication.

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Professional Communication

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 5 years, Part-time 10 years
Explore RMIT's law double degrees
2

Step 2. Complete Practical Legal Training

After completing the academic requirement pertaining to legal practice, you need to complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements. This can be completed through an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee-paying basis through the Leo Cussen Centre for Law, the ACAP University College or The College of Law.

3

Step 3. Apply for the Victorian Legal Admissions Board

To practise as a lawyer in Victoria, you must apply for the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.

A person is eligible for admission only if:

  • they have appropriate academic qualifications and practical legal training, whether obtained in Australia or elsewhere; and
  • they are a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession.

If you want to practise law in another Australian state or territory, you must check with the admitting authority in that state or territory as requirements and processes can differ, so it’s important to get the right information for your situation.

The next steps change on whether you're planning to become a solicitor or a barrister

4

Step 4. Obtain a Practising Certificate

To be eligible as a new solicitor to apply for a Practising Certificate from the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, you must complete an additional 18 to 24 months of supervised practice at a law firm.

You must hold a current practising certificate at all times that you're engaged in legal practise. To apply for a Practising Certificate you need an organisation (entity) to be assigned to. If you are not currently employed or don’t have a job offer, you can’t apply for a Practising Certificate.

Your Practising Certificate is valid from the date that it's granted until the end of that financial year (30 June). You need to renew your Practising Certificate every year.

How to become a solicitor

4

Step 4. Pass the Victorian Bar Entrance Exam

The Victorian Bar Entrance Exam consists of three separate exam components:

  1. Legal Ethics
  2. Evidence
  3. Pratice and Procedure

You must pass all three components with a minimum score of 75%. Find out more information on the Victorian Bar website. 

5

Step 5. Complete the Readers' Course

The Readers' Course is a compulsory course that teaches oral and written advocacy, ethics, forensic skills, how to run a sole practice, marketing and analytical skills, practice building and development.

Inclusive of the reading period, you must work under an approved mentor for at least nine months. Your mentor is responsible for setting you up with an appropriate workspace in their chambers, showing you around the Bar, and introducing you to other barristers, as well as providing you with advice on your briefs.

Find out more information on the Victorian Bar website. 

6

Step 6. Sign the Victorian Bar Roll of Counsel

Upon passing the Readers' Course, you'll sign the Victorian Bar Roll of Counsel and commence practice. 

How to become a barrister
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What can I do with a degree in law?

A law degree can take you into courtrooms and boardrooms, but also into government, policy, advocacy, compliance, consulting and emerging fields like cyber and digital regulation.

Understand your career options

Related careers

If you’re interested in the legal system but not sure that becoming a lawyer is for you, there are other paths worth exploring.

Criminologist

Criminologists study why crime happens and how systems respond. They work with data, policy and communities to understand patterns, prevent harm and improve justice systems. This career path can suit people who are curious about human behaviour, interested in evidence and research, and motivated to influence policy or social change.

The median salary for criminologist in Australia is $109,876^ with employment projected to grow by 18.9% over the next five years*.

^Source: jobsandskills.gov.au 2025
*Source: seek.com.au 2026

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Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years
Undergraduate degree

Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Paralegal

Paralegals play a key role in supporting lawyers by drafting documents, researching cases and helping manage files. Roles like this can be a great fit if you enjoy detail, organisation and working behind the scenes. In Australia, the average salary for a paralegal is $83,000 per year*.

*Source: www.seek.com.au 2026

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Undergraduate degree

Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal)

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 2 years, Part-time may be available

Conveyancer

Conveyancers specialise in property transactions, guiding clients through buying, selling and transferring real estate. The average salary for a conveyancer in Australia is $90,000 per year*.

*Source: www.seek.com 2026

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Vocational study

Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing

  • next intake February, July
  • learning mode On campus
  • location Melbourne City
  • duration Full-time 1.5 years

Learn more about your law study options

Whether you're a Year 12 student weighing up your options or thinking about switching careers, RMIT's law courses provide a comprehensive and industry-focused education that can help you succeed as a lawyer in Australia.

Explore RMIT's law courses

Have more questions?

Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

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