You will require this certificate if you intend to practise as a lawyer. A lawyer is a person who is qualified and approved for admittance to legal practice in an Australian jurisdiction. In Victoria the practice of law has two branches:
- Barristers who serve as specialist advocates and provide opinions and settle court documents.
- Solicitors who offer more general legal services that include the briefing and instructing of a barrister and organisation of a case for trial.
Local practising certificates can only be issued to an Australian lawyer. All new local legal practitioners must engage in supervised legal practice for a prescribed period of time.
Please consult the responsible agency for more information and to ascertain the level of compliance (if any) that may be required.