Becoming A Law Lecturer: The Australian Guide

Becoming a law lecturer in Australia is an exciting career path that offers the opportunity to teach and mentor the next generation of legal professionals. To secure a position as a law lecturer, there are several key requirements that must be met. Firstly, a relevant PhD qualification in the discipline of law is essential. Additionally, a teaching qualification or willingness to pursue a graduate certificate in tertiary teaching or education is often expected. Beyond academic credentials, a successful candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of current professional and educational issues within the field of law. This includes the ability to teach and supervise both undergraduate and postgraduate law students. Law lecturers are also expected to contribute to the academic mission of their institution through research, scholarship, and engagement activities. While specific requirements may vary depending on the university and location, a passion for legal education and a commitment to professional development are fundamental to becoming a law lecturer in Australia.

Complete a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor

To become a law lecturer in Australia, you will first need to complete a Bachelor of Laws or a Juris Doctor. These are undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees, respectively, and they will provide you with the necessary academic foundation to pursue a career in law academia.

A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is ideal if you have no prior work experience or other undergraduate qualifications. This degree covers a broad overview of legal theory and principles, giving you a solid grounding in the field of law. On the other hand, if you already have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, you can opt for a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. This postgraduate degree provides a more practical approach and offers advanced expertise in the application of legal concepts. It serves as a pathway for professionals seeking to transition into the legal field or gain specialised knowledge in emerging areas like intellectual property and new finance technologies.

When choosing between a Bachelor of Laws and a Juris Doctor, consider your professional goals and current situation. Both degrees can lead to a career in law, but they differ in terms of intake frequency and completion time. A Bachelor of Laws is typically completed in less time and has more annual intakes compared to a Juris Doctor.

Regardless of your chosen path, completing either of these degrees will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue further legal education and, ultimately, a career as a law lecturer in Australia.

Enrol in a Practical Legal Training program

Practical Legal Training (PLT) is a mandatory step to becoming a lawyer in Australia. It is the second piece of the puzzle in your journey to becoming a lawyer, the first being your law degree.

PLT will equip you with the practical skills needed to excel in real-world legal environments. The program includes a combination of subjects that will help you learn the specifics of working in a law firm or organisation, as well as work experience under an approved senior practitioner.

The specific rules of PLT depend on the Australian state or territory you are in. You may have the option to choose between a non-tertiary course and/or on-the-job training, or a certificate, diploma or degree course.

A Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice is a common way to complete PLT, with courses running from 6-12 months. Some universities may also offer the option to extend your PLT and obtain a Master of Laws (Legal Practice).

Full-time PLT programs typically last 15 weeks, while part-time programs last 30 weeks.

It is important to note that, in most cases, students must finish their law degree before commencing any PLT program. However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if a student has completed all the Priestly 11 subjects and has no more than two electives left, they may apply to their local admitting authority for permission to start their PLT early.

Each jurisdiction has slightly different rules regarding this eligibility. Therefore, it is essential to contact the relevant admitting authority and follow their process to ensure that all requirements are met.

After completing your PLT, you will be well-prepared to enter the legal profession, equipped with the practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a lawyer in Australia.

Apply for admission to the Supreme Court

To become a law lecturer in Australia, you must first become a qualified lawyer. The final step to becoming a qualified lawyer is to apply for admission to the Supreme Court in your state or territory. This step is required to be admitted as a lawyer in Australia.

Application for Admission to the Supreme Court

The process for applying for admission to the Supreme Court varies depending on the state or territory. In general, you will need to apply to the admissions board or Supreme Court in your state or territory within five years of graduating from your law degree. The specific rules and requirements may differ depending on the jurisdiction, so it is important to check with the relevant admitting authority.

In Western Australia, for example, applicants seeking admission must refer to specific legislation and rules, including the Legal Profession Uniform Law (WA) and the Rules of the Supreme Court 1971. The application is made by way of an originating motion for admission, which must be submitted at least two months before the proposed date of admission. The application must be presented for filing at the Supreme Court, along with payment of the application fee. Once the application is accepted, a sealed copy of the motion paper will be returned to the applicant for service on the Legal Practice Board.

In Victoria, the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) regulates entry to the legal profession. Applications for admission can be made through the VLAB online application portal. New lawyers seeking admission have the option to be admitted "on the papers", where orders admitting applicants to practise are made by the Chief Justice, and the signatures of the applicants are entered on the Supreme Court roll.

Requirements for Admission

To be admitted as a lawyer in Australia, you must satisfy three requirements:

• Completion of a law degree or equivalent course (Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor)
• Undertaking a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program, resulting in the award of the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice
• Demonstration that you are a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession

The "fit and proper person" requirement involves demonstrating that you are of good moral character and meet the ethical standards of the legal profession. This may include disclosing any relevant criminal, academic, or general misconduct.

Once your application for admission has been approved, you may attend an admission ceremony, where you will sign the roll, make an oath, and collect your Certificate of Admission. At this point, you are officially a lawyer and can begin practising law in Australia.

Obtain a Practising Certificate

Before you can practise as a solicitor, you must be admitted to the legal profession and hold a practising certificate. This is a licence that allows a solicitor to provide legal services. During the first 18 months or two years of legal practice after your admission, your practising certificate will be conditional, meaning you can only practise law under supervision.

The specific rules around practising certificates depend on the jurisdiction in which you wish to practise. You can choose from up to three pathways after being admitted:

• Apply for a solicitor's practising certificate
• Complete the Bar Practice Course, join the Bar Association, and become a barrister
• Apply for a role that is exempt from this fourth stage (this may be an option for some)

Gain experience in a law firm or organisation

To become a law lecturer in Australia, gaining experience in a law firm or organisation is crucial. This step equips aspiring lecturers with practical skills and knowledge that will benefit their students. Here are some tips to gain valuable experience:

• Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT): After obtaining your law degree, enrol in a PLT program. This training will provide you with the practical skills needed to work in a law firm or organisation. During your PLT, seek out opportunities to work under an approved senior practitioner to gain hands-on experience.
• Develop a Specialisation: While gaining experience, consider developing a specialisation in a specific area of law. This could be in fields like construction, copyright, family law, property law, employment law, or criminal law. A specialisation will not only make you a more competitive candidate for lecturer positions but will also provide you with in-depth knowledge to share with your future students.
• Seek Mentorship: Look for mentorship opportunities within your law firm or organisation. Senior lawyers can provide guidance, share their expertise, and offer insights into the day-to-day work of a legal professional. This will enhance your understanding of the legal profession and allow you to develop valuable connections.
• Build a Strong Work Ethic: Law firms and organisations value employees with a strong work ethic. Demonstrate your dedication, time management skills, and ability to handle a diverse workload. Take on new challenges, be proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth, and show your commitment to the profession.
• Network and Build Connections: Building a strong professional network is beneficial for your career. Connect with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals you meet during your experience. These connections can provide references for future job applications and offer insights into different areas of law practice.
• Continue Learning: Stay up to date with legal developments and continue expanding your knowledge. Attend webinars, enrol in continuing education courses, and join legal associations to enhance your understanding of the law and the legal profession. This demonstrates your commitment to professional development, which is valued by academic institutions.

Gaining experience in a law firm or organisation is a valuable step towards becoming a law lecturer in Australia. It provides you with practical skills, industry connections, and a deep understanding of the legal profession. This experience will not only enhance your lecture content but also allow you to better prepare your students for their future careers.

Frequently asked questions