How to become a lawyer
Exploring the process to becoming a lawyer can be daunting.
There are several different pathways. Each pathway has its own advantages.
Process to becoming a Lawyer in NSW
Jacqui Bilson, Principal of Bilson Law did not study law straight after school. Jacqui initially focused her career in the Humanities field studying Community Welfare and Social Sciences majoring in Psychology. Jacqui then went on to complete a Graduate Diploma in Counselling. The point here is that,…you need to find the right pathway for you!
Are you undecided? Feeling confused about the right pathway for you? We are here to support you. Jacqui, or one of the Bilson Law team, will meet with you to answer any questions you may have about training pathways and opportunities. Just call or email to schedule a time.
THE GENERAL PATHWAY
- Study the Bachelors of Laws (see links below!)
- Do the Practical Legal Training
- College of Law
- University of Newcastle
- University of NSW
- University of Technology Sydney
- Apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board
- Attend Admission ceremony at the Supreme Court
- Undertake two years supervised practice:
Get involved now!
It is never too early to get involved! We recommend students visit the NSW and Australian Parliament, visit local Courts and meet with local Lawyers. Enquire about the Bilson Law work experience program and the Graduate Solicitor program.
Enquire about student memberships:
Networking is very important
Join the LinkedIn community and build your connections. Competitions are also a great way of networking, a way to meet like minded students.
Check out the NSW Parliament and Australian Parliament annual competitions!
Where to go to Uni?
This is a big decision. Jacqui went to the University of New England (UNE). This was the perfect law school for Jacqui. At the time she studied law she had three children and needed the flexibility to study when the children were sleeping. UNE offered on- and off-campus options. The off-campus option perfectly suited Jacqui’s needs. Not everyone is suited to external study. The right University for you will depend on your needs.
UAC will list all universities offering the Bachelor of Laws:
University options in NSW to study Law
These are the law schools currently offered in New South Wales:
- University of New England
- Australian Catholic University
- Charles Sturt University
- Macquarie University
- University of Newcastle
- University of New South Wales
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of Wollongong
- Top Education Group
- Southern Cross Law school
- Sydney University
- Western Sydney University
The ACT universities offering
Bachelor of Laws
Additional resources
University Law Student Societies
Once you start University, be sure to check out your University Law Student Society. Law Student Societies can offer a great hub of information and collaboration. Not all Universities offer a Law Student Society so it is worth checking out during the planning stage! Some examples include:
