Practicing as a lawyer

Overview

Important: The information on this page is intended to provide you with the basics of the credentialing process. It is your responsibility to contact your provincial regulatory body to ensure you are familiar with the process to return. While we review this content on an annual basis, it is subject to change at any time. Please ensure you review all information provided by the regulatory bodies for the most up-to-date information. OzTREKK is not responsible for your credentialing process.​

Australian law schools provide a solid foundation for students planning to practice law in Canada (except Quebec), as both legal systems are based on English common law. Both Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Juris Doctor (JD) programs educate you to practice law and allow you to apply for registration in Canada after completing the NCA’s process outlined below.

When you return to Canada after completing an international law degree, including a degree from an Australian law school, you will first apply to have your credentials assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). All applications are assessed by the NCA on a case-by-case basis, because everyone’s application is usually unique based on their own personal experiences and academic history.

The basic process when returning to Canada and meeting the requirements to practice as a lawyer is as follows:

  • NCA – Assessment and challenge examinations
  • Articling (or a Law Practice Program – LPP)
  • Barrister & Solicitor Exams
  • Being “called to the Bar”

NCA Assessment

Process

1. Submit your application and other documentation to the NCA for assessment
You will be required to submit

  •  an official copy of your transcript (detailed mark sheets) confirming your JD or LLB graduation;
  •  original or official pre-law university transcripts (if applicable); and
  •  an updated outline of your education and work experience (résumé or curriculum vitae).

#OzTREKKNote: Cost to apply is $475. NCA assessment outcomes are typically within three months of receipt of all material. Learn more about the NCA application process.

2. Your JD or LLB qualifications are assessed
Your qualifications will be assessed based on factors like type of degree completed, mode of study (online/classroom), program accreditation, courses completed, academic performance and professional work experience.

3. Complete additional requirements 
Based on your NCA assessment outcome, you will be asked to complete NCA examinations for 5 core subjects: Constitutional law, Criminal law, Administrative law, Foundations of Canadian law, and Canadian Professional Responsibility/Ethics (details below).

4. Receive the NCA’s Certificate of Qualification
You receive a Certificate of Qualification allowing you to seek licensure to practice law in the Canadian province of your choosing.

The Canadian National Mobility Agreement provides a straightforward process for individuals looking to practice law in other provinces (except in territories and Quebec).

5. Legal Research Requirement
As of January 1, 2022, you will also need to satisfy the Legal Research Requirement by completing a course in legal research and writing. This can be completed through the NCA Legal Research and Writing Module with the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED).

Prepare for

NCA Exams

When you return to Canada after completing an international Law degree, including a degree from an Australian law school, you will first apply to have your credentials assessed by the NCA. All applications are assessed by the NCA on a case-by-case basis, because everyone’s application is usually unique based on their own personal experiences and academic history.

NCA assessments focus on the core common law subjects in which you will demonstrate competence, including five Canadian subjects which are mandatory for all applicants. Most Australian law school graduates who apply through the NCA would be asked to complete challenge exams in the following five areas (and possibly more, depending on the student’s educational background):

1. Canadian Administrative Law
2. Canadian Constitutional Law
3. Canadian Criminal Law
4. Foundations of Canadian Law
5. Canadian Professional Responsibility

Exams are graded on a pass/fail basis (50% is considered a pass). Results are released approximately 10–12 weeks from the date of the last scheduled exam of each session.

The NCA exams are self-study, so you must obtain the material on your own. Many law graduates get their texts from law schools/libraries, and from searching on Google. Be sure to consult the syllabus before purchasing the materials as the textbooks used can change, and ensure you purchase the correct edition of all texts.

Once you have successfully completed the assigned requirements, the NCA will issue a Certificate of Qualification. That certificate is required to apply to a Canadian law society in a common law jurisdiction. Be sure to visit the Federation of Law Societies of Canada website for accreditation and certification information, and contact us if you have any questions.

Articling

You will first article in the province of your choice which will take anywhere from 10–12 months total (depending on the province).

During articling, you will complete a program called Practical Legal Training (PLT) course. During this course, you will complete various practical legal assignments as well as the bar exam. You must pass these assignments and bar exam in order to become qualified as a lawyer in Canada.

Once you successfully complete your articling term and the PLT course, you may be called to the bar to begin your journey as an associate.

See a former OzTREKK student’s blog about finding an articling position.

Practicing in Australia

Step #1 Undertake supervised workplace training or practical legal training

Once you’ve completed your JD or LLB, you will need to undertake either a supervised workplace training (generally a 1-year traineeship with a law firm) or complete practical legal training (PLT), which is a 6- to 12-month course from a PLT provider.

Queensland 

Bond University offers this option in the form of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, available both online and on campus. Generally, it takes two semesters to complete. If you were to complete your JD at Bond, you would also be eligible for the 10% Alumni Discount going into the PLT program! Alternatively you can look at a few other Queensland options to satisfy this requirement.

New South Wales

The University of Newcastle has a PLT program is built into their JD program!

The University of Sydney offers a more visual depiction of the pathway to practice. The university does not have an integrated PLT program, but does recognize the following options in New South Wales:

Step #2 Apply for a practicing certificate

Once you’ve completed the legal training, you’ll be able to gain admissions as a lawyer. Pending on which state you wish to practice in, you’ll need to apply for a Practising Certificate from the local law society from the state in which you’d like to practice.

From here, state pending, you’ll be qualified as a lawyer (solicitor) or you can complete some additional requirements to then be called to the bar to work as a barrister.

 

Practicing in USA

Each state has different requirements, so it’s important to make sure you are focused on the processes and your eligibility for your state. Generally speaking, the process requires you to have your Australian law degree assessed by the American Bar Association.

Once your credentials are reviewed and accepted, you are eligible to sit your state’s bar exam. The bar exam is standard procedure for all lawyers who wish to practice in the US, whether domestic or foreign-trained. This process can take up to a year or more, depending how long you wish to spend studying!

It is commonly recommended for applicants (domestic or international) to pursue law review courses and other preparation materials. Most states require you to pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility exam as well. Some states have more flexible requirements for foreign-trained lawyers, e.g., New York and California, which seem to be popular destinations for international law school graduates!

Once you’ve had your credentials assessed and have successfully passed your required examinations, you can put your Australian law degree in action!

Resources

FAQs

Can I apply if I’m only 17?

Yes, but you’ll require parental or guardian consent (signature). OzTREKK will provide the necessary documentation for this signature.

If you won’t be 18 when your program starts, you’ll be required to show that you’ll be living with an approved guardian until you turn 18. If you don’t have an approved guardian in Australia, you may need a family member to apply for a guardian visa to accompany you. This guardian visa should be obtained as part of the student visa application

 

Can my entire application be submitted through OzTREKK?

Absolutely. We will manage and submit your application(s) on your behalf and communicate any updates from the universities. We’re here to be an advocate for you, and to walk you through the entire process from start to finish.

OzTREKK will keep you on track with application deadlines, interview dates, and any applicable events. We’ll supply you with a step-by-step list of what you’ll need to submit, and when.

Should you have any questions along the way, just send us an email or book a chat! That’s why we’re here!

Are there any scholarships for international students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

Occasionally, scholarships are granted to high achievers—those with very high marks. In previous years, we have seen $5000- to $10,000-scholarships given to OzTREKK students.

Check out OzTREKK’s Financing page to learn more about scholarships and paying for your degree.

What does “rolling admissions” mean?

Rolling admissions means the university assesses applications as they are received, or on a “first come, first served” basis. As soon as they’ve met the quota and the program is filled, they close the applications. So, for a program that has rolling admissions, the earlier you apply the better!

How does OzTREKK know if my application will be competitive?

The majority of Canadians applying to full-degree programs in Australia (i.e., not study abroad courses, which usually only last a semester or two) apply through OzTREKK. They’re studying medicine, dentistry, law, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, etc.

Since they’re using OzTREKK’s services, this gives us a good idea of the starting point of a competitive application each year, allowing us to help you determine which universities/programs are most likely to present you with a letter of offer!

You can get started on determining your chances by reviewing the admissions requirements on each program page. Then, visit our GPA Conversions and Eligibility pages for details and suggestions to help you get into the program of your dreams. Of course, OzTREKK is always here to help if you have questions.

What is a 5.0 GPA in Australia?

Unlike in Canada, GPAs in Australia are simple. They are standardized, so they mean the same thing to everyone.

In Australia, a 5.0 / 7.0 would roughly translate to a 2.7 / 4.0 or approximately 70% – 72%, but keep in mind all universities assess slightly differently.

Learn more on our GPA Conversions page where we list the most common Canadian GPA scales to their corresponding Australian GPA grade.

Which prerequisites do I need?

Prerequisite courses vary by university and by program. We’ve listed university- and program-specific requirements on each program’s page under “Admissions Requirements.”

How do universities calculate GPA?

Calculations differ by university, but most use cumulative (all units within a program) or weighted GPA (typically last 2 or 3 years of study). See GPA Calculations for more information.

What are official transcripts, and how do I send them?

Currently, our Australian universities require original transcripts to assess your application—certified by OzTREKK, which means we have to put our stamp on paper. Literally.

Usually, students order transcripts from their high school, college and/or university and have them mailed to our office. Alternatively, you can pick up your transcripts and mail them to OzTREKK, as long as they remain in their original, sealed envelopes.

You will need to submit final transcripts (showing your degree/diploma is completed) from every institution you have attended. We only require one copy of each transcript, even if you apply to multiple universities or programs.

OzTREKK educational services
301-1 Sherbrooke St. E.
Perth, ON K7H 1A1 CANADA

Alternatively, your high school, college and/or university can email them to transcripts@oztrekk.com.

P.S. Try sending your documents via FedEx and Purolator, especially when you need your documents to arrive at our office ASAP. If you use Canada Post’s courier Xpresspost, please don’t request a signature, as this can add unexpected delays!

As soon as your transcript arrives, we’ll let you know!

What are the average marks for entry?

Varies by university and program chosen. If you’re considering a graduate-entry law degree, the minimum cGPA is approximately 65% — 70%; competitive is 75% – 80% cGPA.

For Bachelor of Laws degrees, most eligible candidates have a high school diploma with an overall average of approximately 65% – 75%.

Can I stay in Australia to practice?

While graduates are eligible to continue the steps to practice in Australia, it is imperative to understand the visa process that is associated with continuing to live and work in Australia. Find out more about staying in Australia to practice law.

What if my transcripts / documents are not in English?

If your documents are not in English, you must provide full translation of each document, either prepared by your university or by a registered translator. You must not translate the documents yourself.

Please note OzTREKK must receive the official translation directly from the university or translator in order to certify the document. Please read How Do I Send My Transcripts for more information.

Are there any scholarships available to law students?

Scholarship options in Australia are usually limited for international students as they tend to be reserved for those undertaking postgraduate research degrees; however, we can advise you where to look for scholarships and whether specific programs have a history of offering scholarships.

In 2018, OzTREKK law students received more than AUD $80,000 in scholarships!

Is the LSAT required for Australian university law programs?

Of the OzTREKK-represented law degrees, only Monash University Law School will accept the LSAT, but it is not required. Depending on your GPA, submitting a strong LSAT can make your application more competitive.

Undergraduate Bachelor of Laws programs do not require the LSAT.

How will the law schools calculate my average? From my last two years, or from all years?

All OzTREKK-represented law programs will base your law application academic assessment on your cumulative average.

If you’re considering undergraduate-entry law degrees straight from high school, they will consider your top 5 – 6 courses from your Grade 12 results, depending on your province.

Check university-specific law program pages for details.

Will my Australian law degree be recognized in Canada?

Graduate qualifications in law from Australian universities are recognized internationally. The basic process when returning to Canada and meeting the requirements to practice as a lawyer is as follows:

  • NCA – Assessment and challenge examinations
  • Articling (or a Law Practice Program – LPP)
  • Barrister & Solicitor Exams
  • Being “called to the Bar”

When you return to Canada after completing an international Law degree, including a degree from an Australian law school, you will first apply to have your credentials assessed by the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA). All applications are assessed by the NCA on a case-by-case basis because everyone’s application is usually unique based on their own personal experiences and academic history.

NCA assessments focus on the core common law subjects in which you will demonstrate competence, including five Canadian subjects which are mandatory for all applicants. Most Australian law school graduates who apply through the NCA would be asked to complete challenge exams in the following five areas:

1. Canadian Administrative Law
2. Canadian Constitutional Law
3. Canadian Criminal Law
4. Foundations of Canadian Law
5. Canadian Professional Responsibility

Once you have successfully completed the assigned requirements, the NCA will issue a Certificate of Qualification. That certificate is required to apply to a Canadian law society in a common law jurisdiction. Be sure to visit the Federation of Law Societies of Canada website for accreditation and certification information and contact us if you have any questions.

For further details on the steps required, please visit our Practicing law in Canada page.

When can I start my law studies in Australia?

Australian law programs commence in the first semester of each year, which is in late February/early March. Many of our law programs also have mid-year (June/July) and third-trimester intakes (August/September).

Learn more about your law degree options.

What is the difference between the undergraduate-entry Bachelor of Laws, and the graduate-entry Bachelor of Laws, and the Juris Doctor?

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Bachelor of Laws graduate-entry (LLB GE) and Juris Doctor (JD) are all law degrees which upon their completion enable you to apply in your jurisdiction to practice as a lawyer.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB): This is an undergraduate law degree. Students can enter this LLB program directly from high school or after a college diploma or partially completed university degree.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB GE): Some Australian universities offer a graduate-entry stream for the LLB, which means applicants require an undergraduate degree to be eligible for entry.

Juris Doctor (JD): This is a graduate-entry law degree. Applicants require an undergraduate degree to be eligible for entry.

All LLB and JD programs educate students to practice law and allow you to apply for registration in Canada. The main difference is that the LLB is offered at the undergraduate level, and the JD is offered at the postgraduate level.