Lawyer
Advise clients on legal matters, prepare documents, negotiate agreements and help resolve complex legal issues.
What They Do
Lawyers advise individuals, businesses and organisations about their legal rights and responsibilities. Their work can involve researching legislation and previous cases, drafting contracts and other legal documents, negotiating agreements, preparing matters for court and representing or advising clients during disputes.
Lawyers may specialise in areas such as commercial law, criminal law, family law, property, employment, intellectual property, government or litigation. JSA's Solicitors profile includes client interviews, legal research, court preparation, contract review, conveyancing and advice across areas including company and family law.
Who This Career Suits
Law suits people who enjoy analysing complex information, constructing arguments and communicating clearly.
It can suit someone who is comfortable reading and writing extensively, paying close attention to detail and working through problems where there may not be an obvious answer.
Strong interpersonal skills are also important because lawyers frequently deal with clients, colleagues, regulators and other professionals.
Key Skills
Communication, Analytical Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Negotiation, Attention to Detail, Research, Writing
Work Environment
Office, Hybrid, Remote, Client Sites, Court
Education & Training
Becoming a lawyer in Australia generally requires completing an approved tertiary law qualification, such as an LLB or an accredited postgraduate law program, followed by the practical legal training required for admission.
Admission requirements are administered at state and territory level. After satisfying the relevant academic and practical requirements, graduates apply for admission to the legal profession and generally need an appropriate practising certificate before practising law.
The Law Council notes that admitting authorities operate in every Australian state and territory and that practising-certificate requirements continue after admission.
Career Changer Pathway
People can enter law after establishing careers in areas such as business, finance, engineering, healthcare, government, HR or technology.
Someone who already has a bachelor's degree may be able to undertake an approved postgraduate law qualification, depending on the university and admission pathway.
Existing professional experience can become particularly valuable when specialising in areas such as commercial, employment, technology, construction or healthcare law, but it does not replace the formal requirements for admission.
Early Career
Graduate lawyers and junior solicitors develop practical skills in legal research, drafting, client communication, transactions and case preparation.
Early-career lawyers generally work under supervision while learning how legal principles are applied to real client matters.
Mid Career
Experienced lawyers increasingly manage their own matters and client relationships and may develop expertise within a particular field.
They may negotiate significant agreements, manage litigation, supervise junior lawyers and advise senior business leaders or individuals on increasingly complex matters.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior lawyers may progress into positions such as Senior Associate, Special Counsel, Partner, General Counsel or Legal Director.
Others may move into government, regulatory work, mediation, consulting, academia or executive leadership.
Barristers represent a related but distinct pathway and generally undertake additional jurisdiction-specific training and requirements.
Salary Guide
Early Career
80000
Mid Career
115000
Senior / Veteran
165000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
3 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
JSA records approximately 106,100 Solicitors, with employment increasing by about 5,400 workers over the latest year. The occupation has a median workforce age of 37 and around 57% of workers are women. Jobs and Skills Australia
JSA is currently transitioning occupation reporting from ANZSCO to OSCA, with a more comprehensive occupation update planned for November 2026. Jobs and Skills Australia
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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