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Where can your law degree take you?

Published:
26 Jul 2024
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Where can your law degree take you?

When you choose to study law, you open the door to a vast range of careers. 

Most people choose to become either a solicitor or barrister, but you can go down plenty of other paths. And within those paths, you have plenty more practice areas and work environments to consider. 

 

What’s the difference between a lawyer, a solicitor and a barrister?

The word ‘lawyer’ is an umbrella term. 

Both solicitors and barristers are lawyers, but with different roles and responsibilities. 

In simple terms, solicitors hold a practising certificate and provide general legal advice on a variety of issues. Barristers specialise in certain legal fields and most often appear in court on behalf of their clients, usually when instructed by a solicitor

 

A career as a solicitor

Most lawyers start out as solicitors. 

Practising as a solicitor allows you to build foundational skills essential for everyday legal practice (which are also transferrable to alternative legal and non-legal roles). 

As a solicitor, you are often the first point of contact for a person or organisation seeking legal advice. Responsibilities typically include:

  • Advising clients about their legal rights and obligations
  • Assisting corporations and other organisations with compliance
  • Preparing legal documents (including contracts and wills)

Some solicitors specialise in disputes. These lawyers spend most of their time out of court focusing on litigation. This typically involves preparing claims and evidence or conducting settlement negotiations. 

However, many solicitors do also appear in court – unless a barrister is required.

 

Life as a barrister

Barristers are experts in court advocacy. 

They spend much of their time representing individuals and businesses in court, but they also provide specialist legal advice in specific areas of law.

To become a barrister, solicitors must pass specific exams and satisfy the requirements for their state’s Bar authority. 

As a barrister, you will work independently and represent clients in court, usually receiving work by referral from solicitors. You are generally required to:

  • Have a sound knowledge of court procedure and the rules of evidence 
  • Determine the appropriate strategy and arguments to be presented in court
  • Advise on matters of law within your expertise (either verbally or in writing)

 

Different legal specialties

There are dozens of types of law. However, you can divide most lawyers into two categories: those who do commercial work and those who work with individuals and families.

Whether you're scrutinising complex financial transactions as a banking lawyer or championing the rights of those injured at work as a personal injury attorney, each area offers its own unique challenges and rewards. 

Below is a snapshot of what the most popular specialisations entail. 

ASEAN+6 cross-border legal practice

Business law & transactions

Commercial litigation

As an international lawyer working in the ASEAN+6 region, you’ll uphold the principles of cross-border practice by safeguarding client interests in complex agreements and disputes.

Want to be the first line of defence for businesses when legal issues arise? A career in business law and transactions will empower you to do just that.

When business disputes extend beyond negotiations, it falls to commercial litigation lawyers to settle the issue. You’ll apply your legal knowledge to protect the rights and interests of companies.

Dispute resolution

Family law 

Government & public sector law

With more and more legal issues being resolved before trial, advanced dispute resolution skills have never been more valuable. As a dispute resolution practitioner, you will protect clients from the court system and steer them towards less conflict-orientated alternatives.

Do you consider yourself empathetic and people-oriented? Then family law may be for you. One of the most rewarding areas of practice, you’ll work closely with families, supporting them through the most pivotal moments in their lives.

As a government and public sector lawyer, you’ll act as a guardian of public welfare and a champion of social justice. You can choose from multiple different paths, from working as a government legal adviser to advocating for civil and social justice issues.

In-house practice

International arbitration

Legal business management

As an in-house lawyer, you will guide decision-making for the business you work for while seeking to understand the pressure points, strategy and objectives unique to the organisation. It’s both challenging and rewarding work.

As an international arbitrator, you will play a key role in dispute resolution across international borders. You will represent clients' interests while navigating different legal, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

To meet the demands of today’s legal profession, lawyers and business professionals need a new set of skills – and cutting-edge knowledge. Legal business management is an excellent field if you want to gain a competitive edge.

NewLaw

Property law

Wills, estates & estate planning

Working in NewLaw, you’ll help come up with new approaches, business models and technologies that disrupt traditional legal practices. It's an ideal path if you want to be at the forefront of the field, leading the charge for more efficient and accessible legal services.

Property law remains the cornerstone of many law practices. You will support clients through various property-related issues, including buying and selling land, transferring titles and navigating tax implications.

Wills, estates and estate planning require a thorough understanding of the law. You'll play a crucial role in guiding clients on the strategic distribution of their assets, ensuring their wishes are carried out effectively and legally.

 

Beyond the law: Alternative careers

Want to put your legal knowledge to use in another field? Legal training provides you with countless transferable skills that will prove invaluable in other industries.

Below are just a few of the different fields you might consider.

  • Academia: Shape future legal minds as a professor or lecturer.

  • Banking and finance: Navigate complex financial landscapes for a bank or financial services firm, ensuring compliance as you facilitate transactions.

  • Consulting services: Offer strategic guidance and problem-solving expertise to businesses and organisations.

  • Contract administration: Ensure smooth operations and legal compliance in contractual agreements and transactions.

  • Entrepreneurship: Put your creativity and perseverance to the test by launching your own legal venture or start-up.

  • Government and politics: Bring your legal knowledge to bear as you help draft policy or campaign for political change.

  • Health services: Navigate healthcare regulations, safeguard patient rights or manage the operation of hospital clinics using your finely-tuned organisational and critical thinking skills.

  • Human resources or recruitment: Provide legal guidance on employment matters or advocate for employees facing unfair work conditions.

  • Journalism or writing: Weigh in on legal issues and current affairs through legal writing or journalism.

  • Negotiation and conflict resolution: Mediate disputes and help parties reach agreements in various settings, from corporate boardrooms and government agencies to community centres and divorce courts.

  • Not-for-profit: Champion social causes and advocate for marginalised communities through legal advocacy at a charity or non-profit.

  • Public interest advocacy: Fight for justice and equality, advocating for systemic change and policy reform.

  • Public relations, advertising or marketing: Leverage your legal expertise to craft compelling narratives and campaigns, shaping public perceptions while mitigating risks.

With your legal background, a good work ethic and a determination to succeed, you’re sure to thrive in whatever industry you choose.

Wherever your career journey takes you, start it on the right foot with the College of Law. 

NAVIGATING YOUR PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING

Read our guide to learn what PLT is, what you'll gain, why it’s worth doing, and what comes next.

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Australians hold a rare E-3 Visa status, a visa class currently exclusive to Australian nationals, and making Australia one of a handful of countries (including Canada) offered special access to prized US work rights. This makes Australian lawyers particularly attractive to US law firms and the job opportunities for lawyers in America are eye-wateringly lucrative. Read on for everything you need to know about taking your legal career to the bright lights of the USA.

How David Peaston, Best Graduating Student in Wills & Estates, juggled work, life and an LLM

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How David Peaston, Best Graduating Student in Wills & Estates, juggled work, life and an LLM

David Peaston has done it all: co-owned a Perisher Valley ski lodge, expanded the family electrical manufacturing business which was then sold to a public company, serving as COO to the purchasing company. In 2008, he returned to the law, and in 2016, established his own practice focussing on wills and estates, property and commercial law.

Lockdown lifts, but tensions may remain, says best graduating FDRP Renee Toy

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Lockdown lifts, but tensions may remain, says best graduating FDRP Renee Toy

Mediator and former family lawyer Renee Toy knows human conflict does not pause, even during the Great Pause of 2020. Renee was recently recognised as the College’s best graduating student of Family Dispute Resolution Practice (FDRP), a prize generously sponsored by Barry.Nilsson.Lawyers

Where can your law degree take you?

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Where can your law degree take you?

Discover the diverse career opportunities your law degree can unlock. Learn the difference between a lawyer and a solicitor, explore life as a solicitor or barrister, and delve into various legal specialities and alternative careers.

Your Guide to a Career in Commercial Litigation

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Your Guide to a Career in Commercial Litigation

Download your guide to a career in commercial litigation for everything you need to know about: commercial litigation in a nutshell, personal strengths of a commercial litigator core expertise of a commercial litigator, related areas of expertise, and career prospects in Commercial Litigation.

Key career advice from NSW Young Lawyer of the Year Mei Gong

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Key career advice from NSW Young Lawyer of the Year Mei Gong

2023 NSW Young Lawyer of the Year, Mei Gong, is often asked for her career advice. From getting $100 million deals over the line, to representing clients in criminal and civil cartel proceedings, Mei Gong has already led an extraordinary career. We asked Mei for her top career tips to help other young lawyers on their career journeys. 

Looking for a tree change? How to become a remote, rural or regional lawyer

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Looking for a tree change? How to become a remote, rural or regional lawyer

The pandemic sparked a mass exodus from Australia’s metropolitan cities, as urban lawyers discovered what their country counterparts had long known: life is better in the country. We show you how to become a regional, rural or remote lawyer.

Customer service experience: Your secret weapon

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Customer service experience: Your secret weapon

How to highlight your service experience to stand out and land a legal role.

How to Become a Lawyer in Australia

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How to Become a Lawyer in Australia

Get the essential information on pursuing a legal career in Australia. From law degrees to practical legal training, we cover everything you need to know about becoming a lawyer.

Your Guide to a Career in Wills and Estates

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Your Guide to a Career in Wills and Estates

Download your guide to a career in wills and estates for everything you need to know about wills and estates in a nutshell, the personal strengths of a wills and estates lawyer, the core expertise of a wills and estates lawyer, related areas of expertise, and the career prospects in wills and estates law.

What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

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What’s it like to be a public prosecutor? Fighting for social justice

For young lawyers there are a vast number of career paths on offer, but for those who want to have an impact in the field of criminal law, a career with the CDPP may be what you are looking for. Unique and cutting-edge cases are par for the course when working at the CDPP, an environment Eliza Amparo, Acting Deputy Director at the CDPP, describes as “dynamic, intellectually stimulating and rewarding”.

LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

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LinkedIn favourite Jason Feng delivers practical guides for early career lawyers

Learn more about Jason Feng and his latest initiative, practisinglaw.com.au, which provides practical step-by-step guides, like File Management for Junior Lawyers, or answers to FAQs. It’s an entirely free service that Jason contributes to the legal community.

How I broke into… Business law with Andrew Boog

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How I broke into… Business law with Andrew Boog

Insights spoke to Andrew Boog about how he came to be a business law expert, what he enjoys most about the field, and what advice he might have for lawyers looking to move into business law.

Combining Law with Mediation

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Combining Law with Mediation

If you are considering adding mediation to your skillset, you have come to the right place. Our Nationally Accredited Mediator Training Course Guide is the perfect resource, designed to help you find answers to the most important questions about becoming an accredited mediator.

Legal Business Management Course Guide

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Legal Business Management Course Guide

Download the Legal Business Management Course Guide and discover how our innovative program can equip you with the skills to lead, grow, and succeed in today’s competitive legal profession.

Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide

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Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide

Download the Government and Public Sector Law Postgraduate Course Guide and discover how our program equips you with the skills to navigate complex regulations, protect public interest, and drive legal change.

In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide

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In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide

Download the In-House Practice Postgraduate Course Guide to explore how our program equips you with the skills to manage legal risks, lead internal legal teams, and make impactful decisions within an organisation.

Legal Practice Management Course Victoria - Course Guide

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Legal Practice Management Course Victoria - Course Guide

Download the Legal Practice Management Course Guide and discover how our program equips you with practical skills to successfully manage and grow your law firm or legal practice.

Financial Management Subject Course Guide

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Financial Management Subject Course Guide

In today’s competitive legal landscape, there is more at financial play than ever before. Valuable, golden opportunities are there for the taking. Develop a deep, broad understanding of financial performance and the opportunities surrounding your organisation's finances.

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