A defence criminal lawyer is a law professional who has gained experience and expertise in criminal law. The said branch of law deals with the punishment of individuals accused of committing crimes. (1)
Criminal defence lawyers ensure that the accused’s fundamental rights are upheld during case proceedings. Criminal codes vary from one jurisdiction to another. Thus, criminal law Queensland and the legal processes in Sydney or Victoria may have slight differences. Generally, crimes are broadly classified into misdemeanours and felonies. Moreover, these often include murder, assault, drug use, and domestic violence, to name a few.
Being a lawyer can be a rewarding career for some people. But there are several hurdles you have to jump through to become one. This is true wherever you may be in the world. Becoming a criminal defence lawyer, particularly in Australia, involve the following steps:
- Get a law degree
After graduating senior high school, search for schools that offer a bachelor’s degree in law. Ideally, you should have an impressive Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, otherwise known as ATAR. In Victoria, those who obtain an ATAR rating of at least 90 are guaranteed a slot in one of the prestigious universities offering the course. Completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree taking this track will bring you an average of four years. (2)
If you already have a non-law degree, take an LLB graduate entry course, which lasts three years, depending on the program offered by the university. Upon completion, you’ll earn a Juris Doctor certificate. Criminal lawyers can take criminal law as a specialty simultaneously, thus, making them both an LLB and a degree in criminal justice. Double degree courses are also offered in some universities, convenient if you want to specialise in other sectors. (3)
- Complete a practical legal training
Once you’ve completed your JD or LLB course, you can start looking for training experience before searching for criminal law jobs Sydney or in nearby cities where you choose to practice.
Most law universities have partners from different sectors to enable you to shadow a practising lawyer and get a legal certificate in one year. The training can be done in various settings, including prominent law firms like Juris Criminal Law. Additionally, some schools allow LLB graduates to take a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice simultaneously or after their LLB or JD completion. The program varies from one jurisdiction to another, and it’s best to ask your school or the state for more information. (3)
- Obtain approval from the state
After completing steps one and two, you must apply for admission as a lawyer before the Supreme Court. However, some states may have different requirements, and you must meet them within five years after graduation. Obtaining this approval allows you to start practising as a defence criminal lawyer. (2) (3)
- Acquire a Practising Certificate
To become a solicitor, approach your state’s Law Society to obtain a Practicing Certificate. A solicitor is a legal professional who administers advice in one or several branches of law. Solicitors also engage in drafting contracts and other legal transactions. A Practicing Certificate is limited to one jurisdiction. Hence, solicitors who move to another territory will have to secure another certificate if they want to practice their craft.
- Undergo a supervised practice
After getting a Practicing Certificate, criminal attorneys must likewise spend up to two years shadowing a veteran criminal defence lawyer. Apart from assisting lawyers in handling a criminal case, a lawyer must seize all opportunities to learn the complexities involved in litigation at this stage of their careers. (3)
Advancing your law profession
If you want to advance your career further, become a barrister by taking and passing the Australian Bar Association entrance examination. This experienced legal professional often works independently as a law advocate and advisor. Solicitors work with barristers to know the possible outcomes of a case. (4)
Another option is to pursue post-graduate law degrees, such as Master of Law or LLM and a Doctorate or PhD in law, specialising in criminal law.
How much do criminal lawyers earn in Australia?
As with other professions, a criminal defence lawyer’s earnings will depend on experience, particularly years of practice. Based on a survey conducted by a career site, criminal defence attorneys in Australia rake in a yearly gross income of AUD$144,869. (5)
Entry-level positions or lawyers with three years of experience earn AUD$101,413 on average. Those with more than eight years of practice earn as high as AUD$80,241 in median annual salary. (5)
Final thoughts
After reading this blog, you may have realised that becoming a criminal defence lawyer takes time, hard work and dedication. But if you’re highly motivated to have one of the noblest professions around, all the hard work will pay off.
References
- “Criminal Law”, Source: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/criminal_law
- “How to become a lawyer”, Source: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/find-a-course/law/how-to-become-a-lawyer/
- “What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do? (And How To Become One)”, Source: https://au.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-does-a-criminal-lawyer-do
- “What is a Barrister?”, Source: https://austbar.asn.au/for-the-community/what-is-a-barrister
“Criminal defense lawyer”, Source: https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/criminal-defense-lawyer/australia
