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Lawyer


(Legal Practitioner)

Fact Sheet

Reviewing proceedings with an administration assistant

Reviewing proceedings with an administration assistant

Lawyers provide advice, write documents and conduct negotiations on legal matters, and may represent clients in court and tribunal proceedings.

Duties and Tasks

Lawyers are described as solicitors or barristers, depending on the work they do.

Specialisations

A magistrate hears criminal matters to determine whether defendants will be committed for trial, and judges criminal offences without a jury.
A barrister provides legal advice and drafts documents in complex matters. They conduct negotiations and appear in courts and tribunal hearings on behalf of clients. Generally, the barrister's client is a solicitor, who briefs the barrister on behalf of a company or private person when a case requires specialist research or advocacy skills. A barrister may also undertake research and consult with clients and witnesses.
A judge presides over civil and criminal proceedings in courts of law, making sure that trials are run fairly, according to the rules of law and evidence.
A solicitor may specialise in areas such as property, probate, workers' compensation, family law, personal injuries litigation, commercial or criminal law.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.

Work Conditions

The distinction between solicitors and barristers varies from state to state. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland, lawyers practise as either a solicitor or a barrister. In SA, WA, Tasmania, the ACT and NT, the work of barristers and solicitors is usually combined, with many lawyers describing themselves as a 'barrister and solicitor'.

Personal Requirements

  • good oral and written communication skills
  • able to understand, analyse and use facts quickly and logically
  • able to work under pressure and deal with a variety of people
  • integrity and good character.

Related Occupations

Judge
Law Clerk
Parliamentarian

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

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