Blog
Tips and guides about Lawyers
Four gates stand between deciding and practising: the law degree (LLB or JD), Practical Legal Training of 15–24 weeks plus workplace days, admission by your state's authority — and a practising certificate that keeps you supervised for the first 18–24 months. The honest timeline, including the 4–5 year career-changer route.
A general explanation of how solicitors and barristers differ in Australia, why some states split the two roles and others don't, and what it means for how you'll typically be represented.
A general overview of how Legal Aid works in Australia — why it runs state by state rather than nationally, how means testing works, and what kinds of matters it typically covers.
General, practical questions to ask before engaging a lawyer — how fees actually work, what a costs agreement should cover, and what to look for beyond price.
A general, plain-English walkthrough of what typically happens after arrest and charge in Australia — bail decisions, court appearances, and why getting legal advice early matters.
A general overview of how the divorce process works under the Family Law Act — the 12-month separation requirement, who can apply, and what a divorce order does and does not cover.
A general look at how Australian lawyers charge — hourly rates, fixed fees and the kinds of matters where costs can escalate — so you know roughly what to expect before your first consultation.