Hello everyone, I am sincerely looking for advices on what I should do to become eligible for legal practice in Australia on the basis of my academic background.

I got a BBA accounting degree in Hong Kong, and took earlier on in London a full-time CPE programme which leads to eligibility to practice in Hong Kong and the UK (upon successful completion of traineeship).

(1) Am I eligible to practice in Australia? If so, only after being qualified to practice in the UK or possible to do so through other means without being qualified in any other common-law jurisdictions?

(2) What academic or practical course I should take in order to become eligible?

(3) Which state in Australia should I first seek admission to (in view of the lesser procedural formalities or time to take)?

(4) If I am qualified to practice in HK or the UK, can I apply for automatic admission to Australia (i.e. inter-convertibility of legal qualification or admission status)?

Grateful to all sorts of relevant suggestions or advices, it'd be great if someone can provide me with links for further reference too, thanks a lot for help!

I suggest you contact http://www.collaw.edu.au/ they run courses for conversion and can generally offer advice. Also the law society in the relevant jurisdiction i.e. New South Wales, Victoria etc may be able to help

I have a US law degree, a JD, and I am relocating to Australia. Does anyone know:

What further education/qualifications are necessary to practice there ? In the US, they have one-year LLM programs, after completion, the student receives an LLM and is educated well enough to sit for the bar exam. Does Australia have something comparable ?

Alex,

You will need to complete a couple of subjects with LLB/JD students (I had an american attorney in my JD classes in Australia and I vaguely recall he had to complete professional responsibility, administrative law, constitutional law etc - there could be more but I can't remember). Thereafter, you will have to fulfill practical requirements by completing a practical legal training diploma (or a 1 year clerkship).

Most universities will require you to do the first part as a "non-award" student while a minority of the universities actually allow you to register as a LLM student but enrol in the JD/LLB classes you require - for the latter you will get a LLM degree resulting. As a "non-award" student you will get no award!

As for Practical Legal Training, I have heard that NSW is more generous with awarding exemptions based on previous experience/training (I do not know how true this is!) so your best bet would be to do it with a NSW provider. Once you are admitted in one Australian State, your admission will be recognised in all the other Australian State.

Drop me a pm or reply if you need further information :)


Cheers,
Greg

I guess depend whether you have got the attorney or solicitor qualification or not before you come to Aust. if yes, that will be the case of your friend which is easier.