Hi everyone. I was hoping to get some advice from the posters before undertaking further education.

I am currently completing my LlB at the University of Sydney and am contemplating further education at Sydney with an LLM.

The reason behind my decision is that I don't think I have the best grades to land a decent job and am hoping to boost my employability by "nerding" my masters degree.

I will obtain my LlB with a 2nd class honours, and I have not done an internship. Also I will go into my masters before my PLT.

Can you all please help by giving me some career advice on this topic. I am particularly worried about my employability.

All your input is greatly appreciated.

In my personal opinion, I think it would be better if you completed your PLT and get admitted prior to embarking on your LLM.

This way, you can either 1) attempt to apply for a job after your PLT; or 2) apply for a job during the course of your LLM.

For a candidate with a LLB + PLT versus another candidate with LLB + LLM, I think the prior would find it easier to secure a job because he/she is already admitted as a lawyer.

This is only my opinion though - I am not saying any option is "incorrect" or "wrong" - just one might be "smoother" than the other.

Cheers,
G

Hi,

I am studying a LLM in the UK for one year. I do not have a LLB but want to practice as a barrister when I come back home to Australia. Could I get into a Bar Professional Training Course immediately or do I have to complete a few other legal courses? I imagine the system in Australia is similar to the UK from what I've read in the UK's Bar Standards Board. I am ready to do whatever it takes as long as I can cut the higher cost of studying. Some advice would be appreciated. Many thanks

As far as I am aware, you will need to read the "Priestley 11" subjects at an Australian University in order to meet the "academic" requirements for legal practice in Australia. These would require 1 - 2 years of time at university.

Thereafter, you will need to complete additional courses to satisfy the "practical" requirements for legal practice. (sorry, I am not too certain about the latter component).

You should ring up the relevant State's professional body to find out more information.

Cheers,

Hi Raja,

Graduate positions are undoubtedly the best way to go, because they're the only path into reputable firms/companies when you don't have 3+ post-qualification experience behind you.

The firms that take you in with no experience and not through a graduate program tend to be the bottom of the barrel, ie. small firms with low salaries with lower-paying clients, like arguing over parking fines.

Second-class Honours is good enough for pretty much everywhere, except the very best firms. Average marks with an LLM isn't going to put you in a stronger position that you are now. Second-class Honours will get you into mid-tier firms and possibly government law jobs like AGS. When they've trained you for a few years, you have a chance to get in anywhere if you've built up a network and made yourself known in the legal community.

Another problem with holding an LLM without practical experience is you'll be considered way too overqualified for positions 'below' you, and too inexperienced for positions where an LLM makes a difference. It might make it harder yet to find a job than it is now.