Law is one of the most valuable degrees a student could hope for. Graduates all over the world have an enviable freedom to choose when it comes to finding employment. All types of organisations, from accounting firms and government departments to banks and big businesses, need law professionals.
Freedom to choose
There is a wide range of roles you could perform as a legal practitioner, but you can expect to provide advice and documents, and conduct negotiations on legal matters. You could also represent clients in court or tribunal proceedings, or specialise in areas such as criminal law, human rights law or environmental law.
Most law courses are now part of a combined degree (like law plus arts or business or languages), which will increase your competitiveness in the labour market. Though be warned: demand for law courses outstrips the supply, making entry requirements very high. It is easy to miss out on a course, so be prepared to apply in a number of states and/or in regional centres.
At postgraduate level, the number of programs offering professional development and specialist options to graduate lawyers has grown rapidly. Think about getting involved in emerging areas like environmental law, corporate law and media law.
Professional recognition
To practise as a lawyer in Australia you have to do further practical training on completion of your degree. This can be through ‘articles’ (a type of apprenticeship) or a special course, usually of about six months, although there are now some two-in-one courses. Graduates have excellent employment rates and encouraging salaries.
Australian law degrees are increasingly recognised overseas. There are strong institutional links between the Law Council of Australia and corresponding professional associations in China, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines and other Asian nations.
An Australian law degree will provide you with unlimited career prospects around the world.
Use our Search function to find a list of Australian institutions offering qualifications in this field.
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