Hi there I am a second year LLB law student at the university of South Africa.

I have been searching for and cant find any info regarding my questions. Any help will be much appreciated.

1) If I immigrate to Australia next year will I be able to go on with my 3rd year of studies?

2) Say I decide to complete my LLB degree in SA first will I be able to practice law in Australia or will I have to complete some kind of exam or course?

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

Hi,

I have tried to answer your questions as follows:

1. You will have to send your qualifications to the relevant authorities to get your LLB qualifications assessed. The bodies you should contact will depend on which State in Australia you want to practise in For example, in NSW, it is the Legal Practitioner's Admission Board (LPAB) while in QLD universities are allowed to do so. You will most likely be eligible for credit if South Africa is under the common law system. If not, the university you intend to attend will most likely make you complete the 'compulsory' courses and make your South Africa studies count towards 'electives' under the Australian LLB.

2. If you were to complete your LLB degree in South Africa, you will still be required to send your qualifications for assessment. They will then tell you what courses must be completed at University to meet the 'academic' requirement. Thereafter, you will have to complete a 1-year training at a Law Firm or a 0.5 year course at a university to meet the 'practical' requirement.

Completion of both 'academic' and 'practical' requirements will then allow you to apply for admission - subject to meeting the good fame and character requirement etc.

Regards
Greg

Thanks for helping me Greg?

Another thing I was wondering about is how one can become a barrister. In SA we call a barrister a advocate. To become a advocate you must only complete your LLB and do one year pupil ship at the balie. Does it work the same in Australia?

If you practice law in VIC can you also practice in NSW?

Regards Wynand

Hi Wynand,

I am not sure about the system to become a barrister. Also, you must note that the profession is split in Australia. In some states they do not differentiate between solicitors and barristers (e.g. WA) while VIC, QLD and NSW does. You will most likely be required to undertake a 'Bar Course' and then do a 1 year pupilship under someone - double check on this please! :)

Yes, if you are entitled to practise law in VIC you can do so in NSW - there is mutual recognition between States.


Regards
Greg