We use cookies to compile information about how our website is used and to improve the experience of our website visitors.
You can review and update your cookie setting by clicking "Manage cookies preferences". For more information about the cookies we use, please read our
Cookies and Electronic Marketing Policy.
Career Options for Lawyers
CAREER OPTIONS FOR LAWYERS
The law is an exciting and surprisingly diverse profession.
Whether you’re a graduate or experienced lawyer, you can work in all sorts of roles and environments – from small businesses, traditional firms and the courts, to big organisations, government departments and community centres.
Below is an overview of the legal landscape and the different directions you may follow.
Solicitor
- Advising clients about their legal rights and obligations
- Assisting corporations and other organisations with compliance
- Preparing legal documents (including wills and contracts)
What's the difference between a solicitor and a lawyer?
Type of Firm
Size of Firm
- Small firms
- Medium firms
- Large firms
-
Large firms have more than 20 partners. They often have very structured recruitment, induction and training programs and complex hierarchies.
Many large firms also run ongoing legal education and training programs, and offer pro-bono initiatives.
Compared to smaller firms, large firms tend to offer a wider spectrum of practice areas – especially in commercial law.
Barrister
- Have a sound knowledge of the rules of evidence and court procedure
- Determine the appropriate strategy and arguments to be presented in court
- Give advice on matters of law within their expertise (verbally or in writing)
As a barrister, you’ll be an independent legal practitioner – and will not work for a firm or in partnership with other barristers.
The Courts
- Registrars
- Legal assistants
- Law clerks
- Legal executives
Further Reading
In-House Lawyer Or Counsel
As an in-house lawyer or counsel, you will provide legal advice to the corporation you work for. You will be expected to:
- Hold expertise in your employer’s area of business
- Manage corporate risk and compliance
- Manage change within the organisation
- Bring in external counsel where necessary
In-house roles often cover many different areas of law – unlike private practice where the work tends to be more specialised.
Another key role is company secretary. This is often held by someone with legal qualifications.
NewLaw Careers
The legal landscape is changing at a rate never seen in history. The legal ecosystem is complex, multidisciplinary and continually evolving. Contemporary legal practice is about new law, new professions and specialisms, new areas of practice, and new ways of solving new and different legal problems.
But it is often difficult to find out about these new types of legal careers. In a world first the College of Law in collaboration with the Centre for Legal Innovation and Forage have launched NewLaw Careers virtual internships featuring five NewLaw careers:
- Legal Operations Professional
- Legal data Analyst
- Legal technologist
- Legal Knowledge Manager
-
Family Law Mediator
community legal centres
Community Legal Centres (CLCs) are not-for-profit organisations that advocate for equitable access to the justice system in Australia. CLCs:
- Provide free legal advice, casework and information to the disadvantaged and to those with special needs
- Deliver community development services to local or special interest communities
- Promote law reform and conduct test cases where laws are operating unfairly or are unclear
CLCs often offer PLT placements but also have roles for admitted lawyers
Government lawyers
Many interesting legal roles exist in government departments, statutory authorities and regulatory bodies. Both federal and state public services have regular graduate intakes – with opportunities in legal, policy, research and advisory positions.
To find jobs in the government sector, you can:
- Check the Australian Public Service website
- Check each individual government department website
Federal Government Departments That Recruit Lawyers
Attorney-General’s
Department Delivers programs and policies to maintain and improve Australia's law and justice framework |
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Conducts independent merits review of administrative decisions made under Commonwealth laws |
Australian
Communications and Media Authority An independent statutory authority that ensures Australia’s media and communications legislation operates effectively, efficiently and in the public interest |
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Promotes competition and fair trade to benefit consumers, businesses and the community |
Australian Crime Commission Works with law enforcement partners to improve the ability to stop criminals exploiting emerging opportunities and perceived gaps in law enforcement information |
Australian
Government Solicitor A group within the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department that provides legal services to government – a role that it has fulfilled since Federation. |
Australian Human Rights Commission Leads the promotion and protection of human rights in Australia. |
Australian
Institute of Criminology Australia’s national research and knowledge centre on crime and justice that aims to promote justice and reduce crime |
Australian Law
Reform Commission A federal agency that reviews Australia’s laws to ensure they provide improved access to justice for all Australians |
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Oversees banks, credit unions, building societies, general insurance and reinsurance companies, life insurance, private health insurance, friendly societies and most members of the superannuation industry |
Fair Work
Commission Australia's national workplace relations tribunal |
Family Court of Australia Assists Australians to resolve complex legal family disputes |
Federal Court
of Australia The Court is a superior court of record and a court of law and equity |
Office of
Director of Public Prosecutions An independent prosecution service established by Parliament to prosecute alleged offences against Commonwealth law |
Public notary
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Attesting documents and certifying their due execution for use in Australia and internationally
- Preparing and certifying powers of attorney, deeds, wills and contracts
- Administering oaths for Australian and international documents
- Witnessing signatures to affidavits, statutory declarations and powers of attorney
- Noting and protesting bills of exchange
- Be a natural person
- Be an Australian lawyer
- Have held an Australian practising certificate for a five-year period
- Have completed a course of study related to notarial practice