How to become a solicitor
Advise private or corporate clients on legal matters in areas such as family, litigation, property or tax laws.
Pathways to this career
- Study an undergraduate law degree, or a double degree with law as one of your majors.
- If you have a degree in another field, complete a study a graduate entry Bachelor of Law, a Juris Doctor or Master of Law.
- Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT). This involves 18-24 months of supervised practice.
- After concluding your PLT, apply for admission and earn a practising certificate through your state's admission authorities.
What does a solicitor do?
Solicitors work to provide a range of legal documents. In addition, they provide legal advice and investigate on legal matters. Solicitors represent their clients in court and can prepare and review a wide range of legal documents. They provide their clients with legal advice based on the feedback and facts that they receive for particular situations.
Duties and tasks
- Act as legal representatives in court cases.
- Engage in interviews with clients to gather information.
- Prepare cases for court.
- Prepare legal documents such as wills, contracts of sales and other contracts.
- Review contracts.
- Work with clients to determine their legal needs.
Industry bodies
- Law Council of Australia
- The Law Society of NSW
- Law Institute of Victoria
- Queensland Law Society
- Law Society of South Australia
- Law Society of Western Australia
- Law Society Northern Territory
- Law Society of the ACT
Related jobs
- Conveyancer
- Legal clerk
- Lawyer
- Court officer
- Judge
- Legal practitioner
- Parliamentarian
Discover online law courses
UndergraduateUNE-LLB-DEG
Study law without the usual barriers
If you’re passionate about the legal system, or looking for a start to your legal career, this law degree is open to everyone—no matter your background or school marks. Understand Australian law, conduct legal research, and communicate with persuasion.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 4 years full time or part time equivalent
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Graduate Diploma of Australian Migration Law and Practice
PostgraduateGRF-MLP-GDI
Build specialist expertise in Australian migration law
Prepare for a career in migration advice with a degree accredited by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA). Gain practical knowledge of Australia's migration system.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 1 year full time or part time equivalent
UndergraduateUSQ-BAL-DEG
An industry relevant, professionally endorsed, and accredited law degree
An online law degree that covers the fundamentals of law and the Australian legal system. Offers a fast-track option to get you into practice sooner. Work on legal reasoning and research. Explore a range of law specialisations with electives.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 3 years full time or part time equivalent
Undergraduate Certificate in Law
UndergraduateSWI-LAW-CTF
Start your journey into law
Gain core knowledge of the Australian legal system. You’ll build skills in legal research, writing and analysis. Get ready for entry level business, government and justice roles. Or, prepare for further study with a pathway into a law degree.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Duration
- 8 months full time or part time equivalent
Discover online law subjects
UndergraduateUNE-LSU100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 19 Oct 2026
UndergraduateGRF-CCJ103
- Study method
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
- Start dates
- Starts 2 Nov 2026
UndergraduateUNE-LAW100
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 19 Oct 2026
UndergraduateUNE-LAW172
- Study method
- 100% online
- Start dates
- Starts 19 Oct 2026
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