Practising law in Australia as a foreign lawyer

Admission as an overseas-qualified lawyer

For: Lawyers and law graduates qualified outside Australia.

1. Apply to the admission board of the state or territory where you plan to be admitted (there is no single national board) for an assessment of your overseas qualifications.
2. Complete any of the eleven prescribed areas of knowledge (the 'Priestley 11': for example contracts, property, equity, constitutional law, evidence and ethics) that the board says you are missing.
3. Complete practical legal training, unless your experience satisfies the board.
4. Apply to the Supreme Court of the state or territory for admission.

The boards follow common national guidelines, but each state applies them in its own way.

Lawyers from New Zealand

For: Lawyers admitted in New Zealand.

1. Under the Trans-Tasman mutual recognition arrangement, you can apply for recognition without the full overseas assessment.