What are the requirements for admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales?

The current 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.

How do I ensure that I have fully completed declarations as set out in Forms 10 and 11?

If you agree with the declaration as listed on the form place your signature in the adjacent box. If you do not agree with the declaration strike a line through it to indicate the declaration does not apply and attach the relevant disclosure.

What happens after lodgement of my application?

If you have met the application deadline your application will be sent to a Board meeting usually held 10 days before the date of intended admission.

What happens if I do not meet the application deadline?

Application deadlines are very strict, please refer to the Board's calendar for relevant closing dates. Applicant's should note late applications are only accepted in exceptional cases, you cannot assume your application will be accepted after a deadline has expired. Numbers for each ceremony and the number of ceremonies are limited.

I want to be admitted in New South Wales but have completed my law degree at a university outside New South Wales that is not listed on the second schedule of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. What do I do?

You will need to obtain a letter from the Dean of Law at your University stating that the degree course you completed complies with rule 95(1) of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. If your Dean's certificate states: "except in relation to Professional Conduct" you must attach evidence of completion of a course in Legal Ethics. Accredited courses are set out in the Board's second schedule. Please refer to section 3(c) of the instructions on Form 10: Application for Admission as a Lawyer for the correct wording of the letter. This form is available to download from our website from our forms and fees page.

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I want to be admitted in New South Wales but have completed my practical training course at an institution outside New South Wales that is not listed on the fourth schedule of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. What do I do?

You will be required to produce a certificate from your practical training provider stating you satisfied the practical training requirements for admission in that jurisdiction. You will also be required to obtain a letter which states that the requirements of the course includes evidence of the attainment of competencies in the areas set out in the sixth schedule of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. You will have to speak directly to your practical training provider about obtaining these letters.

Please see the website and the corresponding form for more information:
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/lpab/ll_lpab.nsf/vwFiles/Deans Letter Plt 19 Feb 07.pdf/$file/Deans Letter Plt 19 Feb 07.pdf

I know I have to complete an ethics component to be admitted to the New South Wales Supreme Court. I am not sure if the course I have completed will be recognised by the Legal Profession Admission Board for the purpose of admission?

Please check the second schedule of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005 for a list of New South Wales accredited legal ethics courses. If you have completed one of these courses, then you have satisfied the legal ethics component for the purpose of admission in New South Wales.

I have not completed a legal ethics course listed in the second schedule of the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005. What do I do?

You must complete a legal ethics bridging course. You are not eligible for admission until you have completed an accredited legal ethics course.

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Will I be able to find a job as a lawyer after I am admitted?

The Legal Profession Admission Board are unable to provide any information or advice on finding employment as a lawyer in New South Wales.

I have changed my name since completing my law degree and wish to be admitted in my new name. What do I do?

To be admitted in your new name, please send us an original certificate issued by the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you have changed your name because you have been married, your marriage certificate issued by the Church Minister or Celebrant is not acceptable, you must provide evidence in the form of an original certificate issued by the Department of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you wish to change your name post admission a prescribed fee is payable for any name changes to the roll.

What is my status after admission to the Supreme Court of New South Wales?

You will be admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales as a lawyer and you are entered on the New South Wales roll of lawyers.

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What about Practical Legal Training or College of Law results?

Confirmation of completion of PLT is required to be submitted with application for admission.

When will I get confirmation of admission?

All admission applications will be referred to the respective Board meetings for consideration. Confirmation of approval of admission with time details and other particulars will be posted to the address stated on your application form the day after the relevant Board meeting. Please note that this information will not be given out by phone. Please wait for your confirmation letter to arrive. However, if you have not received your letter by the Monday of the week in which you expect to be admitted, please contact our office by email ag_lpab@agd.nsw.gov.au.

Will I get the my academic transcript back?

No. When you lodge your admission application you are required to attach/lodge an original academic transcript which the Board retains. It is not necessary to send your degree testamur to the Board as you must provide an original transcript. Your transcript must state that you are eligible for the award of the law degree.
Please consult the Board's policy on the lodgment of original documents.