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Planning your Australian Legal Career - Start At University

Step 1: Start at University

  1. Your choice of university is an important one. Your UAI or TER will count for a great deal in the type of course you can take at your chosen university. Try and decide based on the type of courses offered, reputation, the style of teaching (practical or theory) and the quality of academic staff.
  2. Research which universities have the best contacts with law firms and legal employers.
  3. Many universities allow you to convert onto a law degree from a non law degree after a year or two if your grades are strong enough. Employers know this and will look carefully at your transcripts.
  4. Commercial law firms like to see graduates with law degrees combined with finance, economics and business, it shows an early interest and ability in general business.
  5. Make sure that your grades are consistent throughout your degree. Legal employers will be more interested in your law grades as they are more relevant.
  6. If you are undertaking part-time work and have a paralegal job during your degree particularly in your third year onwards ensure that your grades remain strong. Even if you have an offer as a graduate lawyer from a law firm, do not let your grades slip however great the pressure to work and earn money.
  7. Your future employers will always look at your transcripts and grades for many years.
  8. Competition is very strong for places as a law graduate and for legal jobs in general, try and maintain a strong association with extra-curricular activities at university.
  9. Employers like people with a good balance and character, everything in your life does not need to be driven by law alone.
  10. Legal employers like to see applicants who have used their initiative and done something more worthwhile in their holidays than just travelling. Being entrepreneurial is always well respected as is voluntary work for reputable organisations and getting a job in a business even if not related at all to law. This means contributing for more than just a few hours a month.