WORDS: Jackie Vincent, Principal Lawyer, Watts McCray
If your child has expressed an interest in becoming a lawyer, one of the best ways you can nurture this interest is by encouraging your child’s intellectual curiosity. Provide them with access to books, documentaries, and discussions about law and legal issues. Perhaps you could even attend local trials or court proceedings together to expose them to the practical aspects of the legal profession. You could also research, with your child, some of the many organisations in which lawyers work, beyond the traditional law firm.
If your child is considering studying law at university, then a good way to nurture that interest is to encourage them to explore legal-related opportunities, post university. Attend events where your child can explore different career paths, including the legal profession. These fairs often have representatives from law schools and legal organisations and are an excellent opportunity for mentorship and guidance.
Building a strong foundation for a future legal career often begins in high school with a combination of relevant subjects and extracurricular activities. Here are some subjects and activities that can help lay the groundwork:
- English and Literature – helps to develop strong reading, writing and analytical skills. Lawyers need to communicate effectively, and these subjects help in honing those skills.
- Legal Studies – Learn more about the theories of law and justice and the various areas in which law intersects with everyday life.
However there are many other subjects which can be useful in a less direct way. For example, learning a foreign language can be advantageous, especially if you’re interested in international law or working with diverse clients. Those who are good at, or like maths can also do well in law, given the methodical and analytical ways in which both maths problems and legal issues need to be addressed.
Turning to extracurricular activities, there are many opportunities available:
- Public Speaking and Toastmasters – Attend public speaking events or join Toastmasters to enhance communication and presentation skills; essential in the legal field.
- Debating club – Participate in the school debating club to develop public speaking, and critical thinking skills; all useful in the legal field.
Encourage your aspiring lawyer to read and educate themselves on current issues and engage in a discussion with them on key topics. This will assist to cultivate an environment of critical thinking and communication for your child. You could go one step further and encourage them to apply to join the Youth Parliament. In this environment they will engage in unique educational experiences, directly observe parliamentary operations, interact with members from both the Government and Opposition, and actively participate in fiery debates on current issues.In Australia, the education and training requirements for becoming a lawyer typically follow a common pathway. Whilst there are generally no specific prerequisite fields of study at high school, the process includes completing both tertiary studies at university, as well as practical legal training. Here’s a general overview:
High school education – If your child is nearing the end of their high school journey, make sure that you take the time, with them, to research and familiarise yourselves with the university admission process and likely ATAR score that is required for entry into an undergraduate law course at university. Encourage your aspiring lawyer to make an appointment with the school careers officer for advice on the best subjects to take, for the best chance at university admission.
University education – After completing Year 12, the first step is to obtain an undergraduate law degree at university. Many aspiring lawyers in Australia choose to pursue a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a combined degree such as a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws. A combined degree, whilst involving more study, gives the opportunity for a broader education, and possibly entry into organisations including law firms, where skills beyond the law, are useful.
Postgraduate Legal Studies and Supervised Legal Training – After completing an undergraduate law degree at university, anyone wishing to work as a lawyer, as opposed to using their law degree for any one of the various other careers which might be available, needs to undertake postgraduate legal studies. This involves completing a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice also known as a practical legal training (PLT) course. Whilst differing between states, all PLT courses involve interactive workshops, you’ll go hands-on to complete engaging tasks and solve simulated real-world legal problems. It is often a component of this study for individuals working under the supervision of a qualified lawyer to gain practical experience.
Admission as a Lawyer – Once the above requirements are fulfilled, individuals can apply for admission as a lawyer in their state. This process involves meeting certain character requirements, which again differs slightly between Australian states. When this process has been completed you will attend an admission ceremony and officially become a legal practitioner entitled to practise in your own state courts and often other state courts and Commonwealth courts around Australia.
Ultimately, supporting your child’s dream of becoming a lawyer involves continuous encouragement, guidance, and a collaborative effort to ensure they develop the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful legal career.
Nurturing your child’s aspiration to become a lawyer involves fostering intellectual curiosity, exposing them to practical aspects of the legal profession, and providing guidance throughout their educational journey.
Building a strong foundation starts early, with relevant subjects and extracurricular activities in high school. English and Literature, Legal Studies, foreign languages, and even mathematics can contribute to the skills needed in the legal field. Encourage exploration of various legal-related opportunities beyond traditional law firms, promoting a holistic understanding of the diverse roles lawyers play in different settings.
Jackie Vincent, an Accredited Specialist, has practised predominantly in the Family Law area since commencing work as a Solicitor in 1997. She has experience in all aspects of Family Law including property and financial matters, residence and contact issues, child support, maintenance and domestic violence as well as de facto relationship disputes. She appears regularly as an advocate in both divisions of the Federal and Family Court of Australia.
