The study path for entry to the legal profession in NSW begins with undertaking either the Board's examinations (Diploma in Law), or a NSW accredited law degree. Then, in order to be eligible for admission to practice, it is necessary to complete an accredited program of practical legal training.

The Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005 lists, two schedules of accredited law degrees (Second Schedule) and Practical Legal Training course providers (Fourth Schedule).

Once you have completed your academic study and your Practical Legal Training, and satisfy the English Language Proficiency requirements (if applicable) you may make an application using Form 10. Applications for admission must be accompanied by two character references in Form 3. If you have been admitted in another country and wish to be admitted in New South Wales, please consult our pages for overseas practitioners

In New South Wales, a person is admitted as a Lawyer of 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 for a practising certificate. Practising Certificates are issued by the Law Society of NSW (s 41 Legal Profession Act 2004). Enquiries 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.

The requirements for admission as a lawyer in New South Wales are outlined in rules 95 and 96 of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. These rules provide both the academic and practical legal training requirements necessary for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

Before making an application for admission it is important to familiarise yourself with the forms, and attached instructional information (including application checklist) the admission rules and frequently asked questions. Applicant’s often make errors and omissions that result in missing an application deadline and consequently a desired ceremony.

It is important to note that 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.

Deadlines for submission of applications are strict, dates are on the form and the Board’s calendar. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances and only if the Board has capacity to do so.

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 has completed the 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.

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.