The normal study path for entry to the legal profession begins with undertaking either the Board's examinations (Diploma in Law), or a law degree from an accredited law school. Then, in order to be eligible for admission to practice, it is necessary to complete an accredited program of practical legal training.
The Board publishes two schedules of accredited law schools and approved Practical Legal Training providers.

Once you have completed your study and your Practical Legal Training, and you have not been admitted as a solicitor in any jurisdiction, you make your application using Form 10. Applications for admission must be accompanied by two character references in Form 3.

In New South Wales, a person is admitted as an Australian Lawyer in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and, once admitted, may practise as either a barrister (obtaining a practising certificate through the New South Wales Bar Association), or as a solicitor and barrister (obtaining a practising certificate through the Law Society of New South Wales).

If you have already been admitted in another State or Territory in Australia you are no longer required to be admitted in New South Wales in order to be eligible to make application for a practising certificate issued by the Law Society of NSW (s 41 Legal Profession Act 2004). Enquries from practitioners who have been admitted in another State or Territory in Australia can be made directly to the Law Society Registry on (02) 9926 0156 or the Bar Association on (02) 9232 4055.

If you have been admitted in another country and wish to be admitted in New South Wales, please consult our pages for overseas practitioners.

Any admission application that is incorrect or incomplete at the application deadline will not be accepted for the admission ceremony. These applications will be held over to the next ceremony or until the application is complete and correct. Incomplete or incorrect applications lodged at the Board's office and over the counter will not be accepted.

Applicants for admission are to lodge original transcript(s) of their academic and practical legal training results. The transcript must state that the applicant is eligible for the law degree or accredited PLT course. The original transcript(s) will be retained by the Board. Photocopies of any form will not be accepted. Please consult the Board's policy on the lodgement of original documentation.

English Language proficiency requirements - as from 1 July 2008

As part of the reforms agreed to by all Australian Admitting Authorities, as from 1 July 2008 all applicants for admission in NSW
will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Applicants will be required to take the International English Language
Testing System (IELTS) test unless they satisfy certain criteria.

To be admitted, attendance in the Supreme Court of NSW is compulsory.

Australian graduates who have completed a law degree outside NSW and wish to complete practical legal training within NSW are usually required to have a certificate of completion of academic requirements.

People whose names have been removed from the Roll by order of the Court or disciplinary tribunal should contact the Board if they wish to make an application for re-admission.

Please refer to the Frequently asked questions link on this page for further information on admission and admission ceremonies.