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How to Become a Lawyer: Australian Careers in Law

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What is a Lawyer?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Lawyer?

A lawyer advises clients on legal matters and represents them in court and other legal proceedings. In Australia, lawyers are also called solicitors. They work across many areas of law, including family law, criminal law, and corporate law. Lawyers help people and organisations know their legal rights and duties.

Lawyers meet with clients to understand their needs and legal issues. They research case law, draft contracts, and prepare court documents. Much of their work involves working out settlements on behalf of clients. When needed, they also represent clients in court.

Lawyers often work with legal assistants and barristers to build strong cases. They must keep up with changes in the law. Each year, practising lawyers complete continuing professional development (CPD) to hold their practising certificate.

A career in law suits people who enjoy research and problem-solving. The work can be intense, but it offers real chances to help others. With many fields of law to choose from, lawyers can build a career that fits their interests and values.

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Career snapshots For Lawyers

Solicitors are one of Australia’s largest professional groups. About 106,300 people work as solicitors across the country (Your Career, 2025). The median age is 37 years, and women make up 61% of the workforce. Most solicitors (87%) work full-time. Average weekly pay is around $1,828, or about $95,000 a year.

Future demand for solicitors is rated as strong by the Australian Government. Growth is driven by steady demand across commercial, family, criminal, and public sector law. Jobs exist in private firms, government bodies, corporate legal teams, and community legal centres.

What will I do?

Lawyers carry out a wide range of tasks every day. Their work covers client meetings, legal research, document writing, and court appearances. The mix of tasks depends on the area of law they practise. All lawyers share a core set of duties.

  • Interviewing clients to understand their legal issues and recommend the right course of action.
  • Preparing cases for court, including researching precedents, arranging witnesses, and drafting legal arguments.
  • Representing clients in court and other legal proceedings.
  • Preparing property transaction documents, including contracts of sale, mortgages, and lease agreements.
  • Reviewing contracts between parties to check they are legal and fair.
  • Drafting wills and estate planning documents on behalf of clients.
  • Advising clients on family law, company law, commercial law, and trusts.
  • Acting as trustee, guardian, or executor of a client’s estate when required.

What skills do I need?

A career as a lawyer calls for a strong mix of thinking and people skills. Lawyers must read and interpret complex laws, check case precedents, and build clear legal arguments. Clear written and verbal communication is also key, as lawyers draft legal documents and speak in court.

Negotiation is another core skill. Lawyers often work to reach settlements outside of court, which needs patience and strong people skills. Attention to detail is critical, as small errors in legal documents can have serious results. Time management also matters, since lawyers routinely juggle multiple cases and deadlines at once.

Skills/attributes

  • Analytical thinking
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Legal research
  • Negotiation
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Understanding of legal principles
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ethical judgement and integrity
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Adaptability
  • Client focus
  • Public speaking

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.