Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008
Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008
S.R. No. 15/2008
TABLE OF PROVISIONS
Rule Page
PART 1—PRELIMINARY 1
1.01 Objectives 1
1.02 Authorising provision 1
1.03 Commencement 1
1.04 Revocation 1
1.05 Definitions 1
1.06 Academic and legal training requirements for admission 4
PART 2—ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION 5
Division 1—Academic qualifications 5
2.01 Approved academic qualifications 5
Division 2—Approval of academic institutions 6
2.02 Approved academic institutions 6
2.03 Monitoring and review 7
Division 3—Approval of course of study 8
2.04 Approval of course of study 8
2.05 Approval of subjects 9
PART 3—PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION 10
Division 1—Practical legal training 10
3.01 Practical legal training 10
Division 2—Practical legal training providers and courses 11
3.02 Approval of PLT providers 11
3.03 Monitoring and review of approved PLT provider 11
3.04 Approval of training course 12
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Rule Page
Division 3—Supervised workplace training 13
3.05 Persons eligible to be a supervisor 13
3.06 Where supervised workplace training may take place 15
3.07 Obligations of a trainee's employer 16
3.08 Permitted number of trainees 17
3.09 What supervised workplace training requires 17
3.10 Employment during supervised workplace training 19
3.11 Leave of absence 19
3.12 Content of training plan 20
3.13 Information to be supplied to Board of Examiners 22
3.14 Approval of supervised workplace experience and training
plan by Board of Examiners 23
3.15 Termination of supervised workplace training 24
PART 4—QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEAS APPLICANTS 26
Division 1—Qualified overseas applicants 26
4.01 Academic qualifications and practical legal training required
for admission 26
4.02 Application for directions 27
Division 2—Overseas practitioners 28
4.03 Academic qualifications and practical legal training required
for admission 28
4.04 Application for directions 28
Division 3—Directions by Council 30
4.05 Directions by Council 30
4.06 Specification of time for application for admission 31
PART 5—ADMISSION PROCEDURE 32
Division 1—Local applicants 32
5.01 Notice of intention to apply for admission 32
5.02 Documents in support of admission 32
Division 2—Qualified overseas applicants 35
5.03 Documents in support of admission 35
Division 3—Interstate and New Zealand practitioners 39
5.04 Mutual recognition admissions 39
Division 4—Overseas practitioners 40
5.05 Documents in support of admission 40
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Rule Page
Division 5—Consideration of applications 42
5.06 Recommendation of Board of Examiners 42
Division 6—Altering requirements of the Rules 43
5.07 Alteration of requirement by Board of Examiners 43
PART 6—GENERAL 45
6.01 Council or Board may make inquiries 45
6.02 Council or Board may act on advice of others 45
6.03 Service of notices 46
PART 7—TRANSITIONAL AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS 48
7.01 Definition 48
7.02 Saving of determinations etc. under former rules 48
7.03 Compliance with former rules 49
7.04 Resolution of issues arising under former rules 49
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SCHEDULES 50
SCHEDULE 1—Rules Revoked 50
SCHEDULE 2—Academic Areas of Knowledge 51
SCHEDULE 3—PLT Competency Standards 61
SCHEDULE 4—Employers—Affidavit Verifying Supervised
Workplace Training 91
SCHEDULE 5—All Applicants for Admission—Notice of Intention to
Apply for Admission 92
SCHEDULE 6—Employers—Affidavit of Completion of Supervised
Workplace Training 93
SCHEDULE 7—Supervisors—Affidavit of Compliance with Training
Plan 95
SCHEDULE 8—Local Applicants or Qualified Overseas Applicants—
Affidavit in Support of Application for Admission 97
SCHEDULE 9—Affidavit as to Character 99
SCHEDULE 10—Statement of Overseas Practitioner Applying for
Admission 100
SCHEDULE 11—Mutual Recognition Applicants—Certificate of
Board of Examiners 101
SCHEDULE 12—Overseas Practitioner Applicants—Affidavit as to
Qualifications for Admission 102
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Rule Page
SCHEDULE 13—Overseas Practitioner Applicants—Affidavit of
Employment as a Law Clerk 104
SCHEDULE 14—All Applicants (Other than Mutual Recognition
Applicants)—Certificate and Recommendation of
Board of Examiners 106
SCHEDULE 15—Form of Training Plan 107
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STATUTORY RULES 2008
S.R. No. 15/2008
Legal Profession Act 2004
Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008
The Council of Legal Education makes the following Rules:
PART 1—PRELIMINARY
1.01 Objectives
The objectives of these Rules are to provide for—
(a) the academic qualifications required for
admission to the legal profession;
(b) the legal training required for admission to
the legal profession;
(c) the procedural requirements for applying for
admission to the legal profession.
1.02 Authorising provision
These Rules are made under section 2.3.12 of the
Legal Profession Act 2004.
1.03 Commencement
These Rules come into operation on 1 July 2008.
1.04 Revocation
The Rules set out in Schedule 1 are revoked.
1.05 Definitions
(1) In these Rules—
acceptable deponent in relation to an applicant for
admission, means a person (other than a
person who has, for the purposes of these
Rules, supervised the applicant during any
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period of supervised workplace training or as
a law clerk) who—
(a) is described in section 107A of the
Evidence Act 1958 and who has
known the applicant for not less than
12 months; or
(b) is or was employed at a secondary or
tertiary teaching institution and by
whom the applicant has been taught for
not less than the equivalent of one year
of tertiary studies or one of the 2 final
years of secondary studies;
admission when used in relation to Victoria,
means admission by the Supreme Court
under the Act as a lawyer;
approved academic institution means an
academic institution approved under
rule 2.02;
approved course of study means a course of study
approved under rule 2.04;
approved PLT course means a course approved
under rule 3.04;
approved PLT provider means an institution
approved under rule 3.02;
approved subject means a subject approved under
rule 2.05;
LACC means Law Admissions Consultative
Committee responsible to the Council of
Chief Justices of Australia and New Zealand;
local applicant means a person—
(a) who has not previously been admitted
to the legal profession in any
jurisdiction in Australia; and
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(b) who wishes to be admitted on the basis
of academic qualifications and practical
legal training obtained in Australia;
mutual recognition legislation means—
(a) in the case of an interstate practitioner,
the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 of the
Commonwealth as adopted under
section 4 of the Mutual Recognition
(Victoria) Act 1998;
(b) in the case of a New Zealand
practitioner, the Trans-Tasman Mutual
Recognition Act 1997 of the
Commonwealth, as adopted under
section 4 of the Trans-Tasman
Mutual Recognition (Victoria) Act
1998;
New Zealand practitioner means a person who is
admitted and, at the time of application for
admission under these Rules, is entitled or
eligible to practise as a legal practitioner in
New Zealand;
overseas practitioner means a person who is
admitted and, at the time of application for
admission under these Rules, is entitled to or
eligible to practise as a legal practitioner in a
place outside Australia;
qualified overseas applicant means a person
(other than an overseas practitioner)—
(a) who has not previously been admitted
to the legal profession in any
jurisdiction; and
(b) who wishes to be admitted on the basis
of academic qualifications and practical
legal training obtained wholly or
principally outside Australia;
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supervised workplace training means training
undertaken by a trainee under Division 3 of
Part 3;
supervisor means a person who is eligible under
rule 3.05 to be a supervisor;
the Act means the Legal Profession Act 2004;
trainee means an eligible person under rule
3.01(2) who undertakes supervised
workplace training in accordance with a
training plan;
training plan means a training plan executed in
accordance with rule 3.07(1)(b).
(2) A reference in the definitions respectively of New
Zealand practitioner and overseas practitioner to
a person who is eligible to practise as a legal
practitioner in New Zealand or in another place
outside Australia includes a practitioner who does
not have a current practising certificate in New
Zealand or that other place (as the case requires)
but who would be entitled to obtain a certificate as
a matter of course, after applying for a certificate
and paying the required fee.
1.06 Academic and legal training requirements for
admission
(1) The academic qualifications required for
admission are set out in Part 2.
(2) The legal training required for admission is set out
in Part 3.
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Part 2—Academic Qualifications Required for Admission
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PART 2—ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION
Division 1—Academic qualifications
2.01 Approved academic qualifications
(1) The academic qualifications approved for
admission to the legal profession in Victoria are—
(a) successful completion of a course of study
approved under rule 2.04, that includes
subjects approved under rule 2.05, provided
by an institution approved under Division 2,
which requires a student to acquire and
demonstrate appropriate understanding of,
and competence in, each element of the
academic areas of knowledge—
(i) set out in Schedule 2; or
(ii) otherwise determined by the Council
after considering any relevant
recommendation of the LACC; and
(b) that the applicant has a sufficient knowledge
of written and spoken English to engage in
legal practice in Victoria.
(2) The Council may require an applicant to pass an
examination specified by the Council for the
purposes of subrule (1)(b).
(3) The Board of Examiners may determine that an
applicant is not required to satisfy the
requirements specified in subrule (1)(a) if the
Board of Examiners is satisfied that the applicant
has an appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, each element of the areas of
knowledge referred to in that subrule.
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Division 2—Approval of academic institutions
2.02 Approved academic institutions
(1) Subject to subrule (3), each of the following is an
approved academic institution—
(a) The University of Melbourne;
(b) Monash University;
(c) La Trobe University;
(d) Deakin University;
(e) Victoria University;
(f) Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology;
(g) any other tertiary institution in Victoria
designated by the Council;
(h) any institution recognised by another
Australian jurisdiction as providing a course
of study which—
(i) satisfies the academic requirements for
admission in that jurisdiction; and
(ii) requires a student to acquire and
demonstrate an appropriate
understanding of, and competence in,
each element of the academic areas of
knowledge referred to in rule 2.01.
(2) The Council may only designate an institution
under subrule (1)(g) if the Council is satisfied that
the institution will competently provide an
approved course of study in law.
(3) The Council may, by notice in writing to an
academic institution—
(a) withdraw approval of that academic
institution; or
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(b) impose or vary any condition on the approval
of that academic institution, which the
Council thinks fit, including any condition
resulting from—
(i) any determination of the Council under
rule 2.01(1)(a)(ii) or 3.01(1)(b)(ii); or
(ii) any review of that institution under
rule 2.03.
2.03 Monitoring and review
(1) The Council may monitor and, if it considers it
reasonable to do so, from time to time, review—
(a) the performance of, and the resources
available to, an approved academic
institution, in providing an approved course
of study; and
(b) the content and conduct of an approved
course of study or any approved subject
provided by the institution.
(2) The Council may, after consulting an approved
academic institution—
(a) appoint one or more persons to conduct a
review of the approved course of study or of
any subject in an approved course of study
conducted by that academic institution; and
(b) determine the terms of reference for any such
review.
(3) The Council must provide the approved academic
institution with a copy of any report received by
the Council, as a result of a review.
(4) It is a condition of approval of each approved
academic institution that, unless the Council
determines otherwise, the cost of any such
monitoring or review must be borne by the
institution.
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(5) An approved academic institution must provide
such information to the Council or its reviewer as
the Council or reviewer may require, for the
purpose of any monitoring or review carried out
under this rule.
Division 3—Approval of course of study
2.04 Approval of course of study
(1) The Council may approve a course of study which
the Council considers will provide a student with
an appropriate understanding of, and competence
in, each element of the areas of knowledge
referred to in rule 2.01(1)(a).
(2) Subject to rule 2.02(3) and subrule (3), a course of
study for obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Law
or the equivalent qualification (by whatever name,
and whether offered to undergraduate or graduate
students) conducted by an academic institution
referred to in rule 2.02(1)(a) to (g), as it was
comprised and conducted immediately before
these Rules came into operation, is an approved
course of study.
(3) The Council may, by notice in writing to an
approved academic institution—
(a) withdraw approval of any course of study; or
(b) impose or vary any condition on the approval
of a course of study which the Council thinks
fit, including any condition resulting from—
(i) any determination of the Council under
rule 2.01(1)(a)(ii) or 3.01(1)(b)(ii); or
(ii) any review of the approved course of
study or of any subject in an approved
course of study under rule 2.03.
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2.05 Approval of subjects
(1) The Council may approve any subject or part of a
subject in either—
(a) a course of study approved under rule 2.04;
or
(b) a course of study at any other institution—
as providing a student with appropriate
understanding of, and competence in, the whole or
any part of an area of knowledge referred to in
rule 2.01(1)(a).
(2) The Council may, as the Council thinks fit, by
notice in writing to an approved academic
institution—
(a) withdraw approval of any subject or part of a
subject; or
(b) impose or vary any condition on the approval
of that subject or part of a subject, including
any condition resulting from—
(i) any determination of the Council under
rule 2.01(1)(a)(ii) or 3.01(1)(b)(ii); or
(ii) any review under rule 2.03.
(3) If a person commences an approved course of
study incorporating an approved subject and
satisfactorily completes the subject, the person is
to be treated as having completed an approved
subject, despite withdrawal of approval after the
person has commenced the subject.
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PART 3—PRACTICAL LEGAL TRAINING REQUIRED FOR
ADMISSION
Division 1—Practical legal training
3.01 Practical legal training
(1) The practical legal training approved for
admission to the legal profession in Victoria, is—
(a) successfully completing either—
(i) an approved PLT course conducted by
an approved PLT provider, in
accordance with Division 2; or
(ii) supervised workplace training, in
accordance with Division 3; and
(b) acquiring and demonstrating to the
satisfaction of the Board of Examiners an
appropriate understanding of and
competence in each element of the skills,
values and practice areas—
(i) set out in Schedule 3; or
(ii) otherwise determined by the Council
after considering any relevant
recommendation of the LACC.
(2) A person is eligible to undertake practical legal
training under this Part, if the person has
completed—
(a) an approved course of study at an approved
institution, in accordance with Part 2; or
(b) some other tertiary qualification in law
which is sufficient for the purposes of
satisfying the academic requirements for
admission to the legal profession in the
Australian jurisdiction where the relevant
tertiary qualification was obtained.
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Division 2—Practical legal training providers and courses
3.02 Approval of PLT providers
(1) The Council may approve an institution as an
approved PLT provider only if the Council is
satisfied that the institution will competently
conduct an approved PLT course.
(2) The Council may, as the Council sees fit, by
notice in writing to a PLT provider—
(a) withdraw approval of that PLT provider; or
(b) impose or vary any condition on the approval
of that PLT provider, including any
condition resulting from—
(i) any determination of the Council under
rule 2.01(1)(a)(ii) or 3.01(1)(b)(ii); or
(ii) any review under rule 3.03.
3.03 Monitoring and review of approved PLT provider
(1) The Council may monitor, and, if it considers it
reasonable to do so, from time to time review—
(a) the performance of, and the resources
available to, an approved PLT provider in
providing an approved PLT course; and
(b) the content and conduct of an approved PLT
course, or any subject in an approved PLT
course, provided by the PLT provider.
(2) The Council may, after consulting an approved
PLT provider—
(a) appoint one or more persons to conduct a
review of the approved PLT course or of any
subject in an approved PLT course
conducted by that PLT provider; and
(b) determine the terms of reference for any such
review.
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(3) The Council must provide the approved PLT
provider with a copy of any report received by the
Council, as a result of a review.
(4) It is a condition of approval of each approved PLT
provider that, unless the Council determines
otherwise, the costs of any such monitoring or
review must be borne by the provider.
(5) An approved PLT provider must provide such
information to the Council or its reviewer as the
Council or reviewer may require, for the purpose
of any monitoring or review carried out under this
rule.
3.04 Approval of training course
(1) The Council may approve a course which the
Council considers will provide an appropriate
understanding of, and competence in each element
of—
(a) the compulsory skills, values and practice
areas; and
(b) some, or all, of the optional practice areas—
referred to in rule 3.01(1)(b).
(2) The Council may approve a course which is to be
conducted wholly or partly online.
(3) The Council may, as the Council thinks fit by
notice in writing to an approved PLT provider—
(a) withdraw approval for a course; or
(b) impose or vary any condition on the approval
of that course, including any condition
resulting from—
(i) any determination of the Council under
rule 2.01(1)(a)(ii) or 3.01(1)(b)(ii); or
(ii) any review of an approved PLT course
or subject under rule 3.03.
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(4) If a person commences a course approved by the
Council and satisfactorily completes the course,
the person is to be treated as having completed an
approved course, despite withdrawal of approval
of the course or of the PLT provider, after the
person commenced the course.
Division 3—Supervised workplace training
3.05 Persons eligible to be a supervisor
(1) A person may supervise a trainee for the purposes
of these Rules if the person is an Australian
lawyer engaged—
(a) in legal practice; or
(b) as a Government, corporate, commercial or
community legal officer—
working principally in Victoria, who has worked
as either or both of—
(c) a practising solicitor, or in the manner of a
solicitor; or
(d) a practising barrister, or in the manner of a
barrister—
for a total of at least 5 years, of which at least
3 years were spent in either or both of practice as
a solicitor, or working in the manner of a solicitor.
(2) The Board of Examiners may approve (either
generally or in relation to a particular trainee, and
either on the application of a person or on its own
initiative)—
(a) a Judge of—
(i) the High Court; or
(ii) the Federal Court; or
(iii) the Supreme Court of Victoria; or
(iv) the County Court of Victoria; or
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(b) any Australian lawyer, other than a person
referred to in subrule (1), who has worked as
either or both of—
(i) a practising solicitor, or in the manner
of a solicitor; or
(ii) a practising barrister, or in the manner
of a barrister—
for a total of at least 5 years, of which at
least 3 years were spent in either or both of
practice as a solicitor, or working in the
manner of a solicitor—
whom the Board of Examiners considers to have
appropriate qualifications and experience to be a
supervisor, and to be able to provide a trainee with
appropriate supervised workplace training.
(3) If a person referred to in subrule (1) or (2)(b) has
not engaged in legal practice within the last
5 years, the person will not be eligible to
supervise a trainee until the person has engaged in
legal practice for at least 1 further year.
(4) Supervised workplace training under the
successive supervision of more than 1 supervisor
may be undertaken, only if the arrangement for
such successive supervision is—
(a) set out in the training plan; or
(b) approved in advance by the Board of
Examiners; or
(c) subsequently set out in the affidavit referred
to in rule 5.02(1)(a)(i) or rule 5.03(2)(a)(i),
as the case requires.
(5) Successive supervision referred to in subrule (4)
may take place in different places within Australia
if the proposed arrangement is—
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(a) set out in the training plan; or
(b) approved in advance by the Board of
Examiners; or
(c) set out in the affidavit referred to in rule
5.02(1)(a)(i) or rule 5.03(2)(a)(i), as the case
requires.
(6) The Board of Examiners may give approval under
subrule (4) or (5), subject to such conditions as it
sees fit.
(7) A person nominated in a training plan or
authorised under subrule (4)(b) or (c) to supervise
a trainee for any period during supervised
workplace training must be the person who is
primarily responsible for supervising the work of
the trainee for the purposes of these Rules, during
that period.
3.06 Where supervised workplace training may take
place
(1) Subject to subrule (2), supervised workplace
training must take place in Victoria.
(2) Supervised workplace training may take place
within Australia, but outside Victoria, if the
proposed location of that training is—
(a) set out in the training plan; or
(b) approved in advance by the Board of
Examiners; or
(c) set out in the affidavit referred to in rule
5.02(1)(a)(i) or rule 5.03(2)(a)(i), as the case
requires.
(3) The Board of Examiners may, either generally or
in a particular case, give approval for some or all
of a trainee's supervised workplace training to take
place—
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(a) in another Australian jurisdiction; or
(b) outside Australia—
subject to such conditions as it sees fit.
(4) A trainee who undertakes supervised workplace
training outside Victoria must comply with rule
3.09(1)(b) and (c).
3.07 Obligations of a trainee's employer
(1) The employer of a trainee must—
(a) keep a register of trainees and supervisors
within the employer's legal practice or
business; and
(b) implement a training plan for each trainee,
which must—
(i) provide for the matters set out in
rule 3.12; and
(ii) be executed on behalf of the employer
and by the trainee; and
(iii) be executed by each supervisor
nominated in the training plan; and
(iv) subject to rule 3.14(3), be given to the
Board of Examiners by the trainee in
accordance with rule 3.13; and
(c) ensure that the trainee has appropriate
opportunities to carry out the trainee's
obligations under the training plan, in the
course of the trainee's employment; and
(d) ensure that the trainee is appropriately
supervised by a supervisor, for the purposes
of these Rules, throughout the trainee's
supervised workplace training.
(2) Unless the Board of Examiners determines
otherwise, the employer of a trainee must meet the
cost of any training relevant to—
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(a) a trainee's supervision; and
(b) the trainee acquiring and demonstrating
appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, each element of the skills,
values and practice areas referred to in
rule 3.01(1)(b).
3.08 Permitted number of trainees
(1) Subject to subrule (2), the employer of a trainee
must not engage more trainees to undertake
supervised workplace training at the same time,
than the number of eligible supervisors available
at the workplace at that time.
(2) The Board of Examiners may from time to time
determine the maximum number of trainees, either
generally or in a particular case, which an
employer or class of employer may engage to
undertake supervised workplace training at the
same time.
(3) A person may not be the supervisor of more than
one trainee at the same time without the prior
approval of the Board of Examiners.
3.09 What supervised workplace training requires
(1) A trainee must—
(a) complete a period of at least 12 months of
supervised workplace training, worked out in
accordance with the Rules and any
guidelines determined by the Board of
Examiners, under the supervision of a person
eligible to be a supervisor under rule 3.05;
and
(b) subject to rule 3.01(1)(b) and paragraphs (c)
and (d), acquire an appropriate
understanding of, and competence in, each
element of—
(i) the compulsory skills; and
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(ii) the compulsory values; and
(iii) the compulsory practice areas; and
(iv) one practice area from each of the two
groups of optional practice areas—
referred to in rule 3.01(1)(b); and
(c) acquire an appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, and satisfactorily complete
assessment in, each element of Ethics and
Professional Responsibility as set out in
Schedule 3 or otherwise determined under
rule 3.01(1)(b)(ii), through a course of
instruction and program of assessment
conducted by a PLT provider approved
under Division 2; and
(d) acquire an appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, and satisfactorily complete
assessment in—
(i) each element of Lawyer's Skills; and
(ii) the Risk Management element of Work
Management and Business Skills—
as set out in Schedule 3 or otherwise
determined under rule 3.01(1)(b)(ii), through
a course of instruction and program of
assessment conducted by—
(iii) a PLT provider approved under
Division 2; or
(iv) another provider approved by the Board
of Examiners, for the purpose of
providing such a course of instruction
and program of assessment.
(2) A course of instruction referred to in subrule
(1)(c) or (d) must be equivalent in content and
depth, and the relevant program of assessment
must be as rigorous, as the course of instruction
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and program of assessment for each comparable
element in the course of the relevant PLT provider
approved under rule 3.04.
3.10 Employment during supervised workplace training
(1) A trainee must not engage in any paid or unpaid
work while undertaking supervised workplace
training without first obtaining the consent of the
person who executed the relevant training plan on
behalf of the employer referred to in rule 3.07,
except—
(a) in the business conducted by that employer;
or
(b) in accordance with the relevant training plan.
(2) If the person who executed the relevant training
plan refuses to give consent under subrule (1), the
Board of Examiners may give consent upon the
application of the trainee.
3.11 Leave of absence
(1) As part of a period of supervised workplace
training, a trainee may be allowed leave of
absence—
(a) on all days that are public holidays under the
Public Holidays Act 1993; and
(b) in the case of illness or injury, for a period
not exceeding 10 days; and
(c) in addition, for a further period not
exceeding 20 days.
(2) Any day (other than a Saturday, Sunday or public
holiday under the Public Holidays Act 1993) on
which the employer's office is not open for
business must be counted for the purpose of
calculating the period referred to in subrule (1)(c).
(3) Subrule (1) is subject to any applicable award or
law relating to leave of absence.
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(4) An employer must, in the course of and as part of
a trainee's employment and supervised workplace
experience, allow the trainee sufficient time—
(a) to prepare for, travel to and from and attend,
any course of training related to acquiring an
appropriate understanding of and
competence in, each element of the skills,
values and practice areas set out in
Schedule 3 or otherwise determined under
rule 3.01(1)(b)(ii); and
(b) to study for, travel to and from and attend,
any assessment associated with such a course
of training.
(5) If a trainee takes leave of absence for any period
in addition to the periods referred to in subrules
(1) and (3), the trainee must complete an
equivalent additional period of supervised
workplace training after the expiration of the
period of supervised workplace training provided
for in the relevant training plan.
3.12 Content of training plan
(1) A training plan executed under rule 3.07(1) must
set out—
(a) the period of supervised workplace training
which the trainee will undertake; and
(b) how the parties propose to ensure that the
trainee acquires and demonstrates
appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, each element of the skills,
values and practice areas set out in
Schedule 3; and
(c) who will supervise the trainee and for what
part of the supervised workplace training;
and
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(d) the name of any approved PLT provider, or
provider referred to in rule 3.09(1)(d)(iv),
who will conduct any course of instruction or
assessment, and the relevant skills, values
and practice areas set out in Schedule 3
which that provider will provide; and
(e) undertakings by—
(i) the person executing the training plan
on behalf of the employer, given on
behalf of that employer; and
(ii) any person nominated in the training
plan as a supervisor—
that the employer and the supervisor,
respectively, will each use their best
endeavours to ensure that—
(iii) the trainee is properly and thoroughly
instructed in the practice and profession
of a legal practitioner; and
(iv) the trainee gains practical experience in
the legal business transacted in the legal
practice or business of the employer;
and
(v) the trainee is given every opportunity to
participate, under appropriate
supervision, in giving legal advice and
in drafting such legal documents as are
given or drafted in the legal practice or
business of the employer; and
(vi) if the trainee has properly performed
the obligations referred to in
paragraph (f), and is qualified to be
admitted to the legal profession, the
trainee is admitted; and
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(f) an undertaking by the trainee to undertake
the responsibilities and tasks given by or on
behalf of the employer and any supervisor
nominated in the training plan, consistently
with the training plan, diligently and in good
faith, to the best of the trainee's ability; and
(g) a provision that, to the extent that any terms
of an employment contract otherwise entered
into between the employer and the trainee
are inconsistent with the training plan, the
terms are void and of no effect; and
(h) any other matters required under these Rules
or that the Board of Examiners may require.
(2) A training plan must be substantially in the form
set out in Schedule 15 or in such other form as is
required by the Board of Examiners.
3.13 Information to be supplied to Board of Examiners
(1) Within 1 month after executing a training plan, a
trainee must produce to the Board of Examiners
the following, as applicable to the trainee—
(a) subject to rule 3.14(3), the training plan
executed in accordance with rule 3.07(1)(b);
(b) an affidavit verifying the training plan, in the
form set out in Schedule 4;
(c) evidence that the trainee has obtained the
academic qualification required under
rule 2.01; and
(d) any other information required under these
Rules or that the Board of Examiners may
generally require trainees to provide.
(2) The trainee must produce to the Board of
Examiners any further evidence the Board may
require that the supervised workplace training
provided for in the training plan is appropriate and
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sufficient, in the applicant's case, under these
Rules.
3.14 Approval of supervised workplace experience and
training plan by Board of Examiners
(1) The Board of Examiners, after considering a
training plan, affidavit and any evidence and other
information must approve a trainee's supervised
workplace training and training plan, if the Board
of Examiners is satisfied that—
(a) the employer of the trainee is able to provide
the trainee with supervised workplace
training, in accordance with these Rules; and
(b) each person nominated in the training plan as
a supervisor is eligible to be a supervisor
under rule 3.05; and
(c) proper provision has been made for the
trainee to acquire appropriate understanding
of, and competence in, each element of the
skills, values and practice areas referred to in
rule 3.01(1)(b), in accordance with rule 3.09;
and
(d) the training plan complies with these Rules
and has been properly executed by the
parties.
(2) The Board of Examiners must refuse to approve—
(a) the supervised workplace training;
(b) the training plan—
if the Board is not satisfied of the matters in
subrule (1).
(3) If the Board of Examiners is not satisfied that the
training plan complies with the requirements of
subrule (1) it may give the applicant leave to
withdraw and to resubmit the training plan, within
the period specified by the Board of Examiners,
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incorporating any amendments necessary for
compliance with those requirements.
(4) If the Board gives leave under subrule (2), it may
approve an amended training plan which does
comply with these Rules and has been properly
executed, if—
(a) the amended training plan is resubmitted
within the period specified by the Board of
Examiners; and
(b) the applicant submits an affidavit verifying
the making of any amendment to, or
re-execution of, the training plan.
(5) If the Board of Examiners approves a training
plan resubmitted under subrule (3), any period of
supervised workplace training undertaken before
the Board gives its approval, must be taken to be
supervised workplace training for the purposes of
these Rules.
(6) The Board of Examiners may retrospectively
approve any departure from, or alteration to, a
training plan set out in an affidavit made under
rule 5.02(1)(a)(i) or 5.03(2)(a)(i), if the Board of
Examiners is of the opinion that the departure or
alteration did not prevent the applicant from
acquiring appropriate understanding of, and
competence in, any element of the compulsory
and optional skills, values and practice areas
referred to in rule 3.01(1)(b).
3.15 Termination of supervised workplace training
(1) If at any time during a period of supervised
workplace training the Board of Examiners forms
the view that—
(a) a trainee is not receiving appropriate
supervision; or
(b) a training plan is not being complied with; or
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(c) a trainee is not receiving appropriate
supervised workplace training; or
(d) a trainee is not deriving substantial benefit
from the supervised workplace training; or
(e) for any other reason, it is appropriate to do
so—
the Board of Examiners may either—
(f) terminate the trainee's supervised workplace
training; or
(g) approve another appropriate employer and
one or more eligible supervisors to provide
the balance of the trainee's supervised
workplace training, under a revised training
plan.
(2) The Board of Examiners may act under
subrule (1) either—
(a) on its own initiative; or
(b) on the application of one or more of—
(i) the trainee; or
(ii) the trainee's employer; or
(iii) any supervisor nominated in the
relevant training plan.
(3) Where the Board of Examiners acts under
subrule (1), it may disqualify—
(a) the relevant employer from offering
supervised workplace training; or
(b) a supervisor nominated in the relevant
training plan from acting as a trainee's
supervisor—
either permanently, or for such period as the
Board of Examiners thinks fit.
__________________
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PART 4—QUALIFICATIONS FOR OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
Division 1—Qualified overseas applicants
4.01 Academic qualifications and practical legal training
required for admission
(1) The academic qualification and legal training
required for a qualified overseas applicant to be
admitted in Victoria are—
(a) that the applicant holds an academic
qualification and, unless the Council
determines otherwise in a particular case, has
received practical legal training recognised
in a jurisdiction outside Australia as meeting
the requirements for admission in that
jurisdiction (other than any requirements
which the Council is satisfied either are of a
formal or procedural nature); and
(b) that the applicant complies with any
directions given by the Council under
rule 4.05; and
(c) that the applicant has a sufficient knowledge
of written and spoken English to engage in
legal practice in Victoria.
Note
Before being admitted, an applicant must comply with
the requirements of rule 5.03 and also satisfy the
Board of Examiners that the applicant complies with a
number of suitability matters set out in section 1.2.6
of the Act.
(2) The Council may require an applicant to pass an
examination specified by the Council for the
purposes of subrule (1)(c).
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4.02 Application for directions
(1) A qualified overseas applicant must apply to the
Council for directions under rule 4.05 as to the
extent (if any) to which his or her existing
academic qualifications and practical legal
training may be regarded as sufficient for
admission without completion of further academic
qualifications and practical legal training
requirements.
(2) Unless the Council otherwise determines, an
application under subrule (1) must be
accompanied by an affidavit (exhibiting each
relevant certificate)—
(a) stating the nature and details of the qualified
overseas applicant's academic qualifications
and practical legal training; and
(b) providing evidence that the applicant has the
academic qualifications and practical legal
training on which the applicant relies and
that they meet all the requirements for
admission in the jurisdiction in which he or
she obtained the academic qualifications and
practical legal training (other than any
requirements, of which the applicant must
provide adequate detail, that either are of a
formal or procedural nature); and
(c) stating whether the applicant has applied for
admission in any other Australian
jurisdiction and the result of the application;
and
(d) setting out any additional information the
Council generally requires.
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Division 2—Overseas practitioners
4.03 Academic qualifications and practical legal training
required for admission
(1) An overseas practitioner attains approved
academic qualifications and satisfactorily
completes approved practical training
requirements if the practitioner—
(a) complies with any directions given by the
Council under rule 4.05; and
(b) has a sufficient knowledge of written and
spoken English to engage in legal practice in
Victoria.
Note
Before being admitted, an applicant must comply with
the requirements of rule 5.05 and also satisfy the
Board of Examiners that the applicant complies with a
number of suitability matters set out in section 1.2.6
of the Act.
(2) The Council may require an applicant to pass an
examination specified by the Council for the
purposes of subrule (1)(b).
4.04 Application for directions
(1) An overseas practitioner must apply to the
Council for directions under rule 4.05 as to the
extent (if any) to which his or her existing
qualifications may be regarded as sufficient
qualifications for admission without completion of
further academic qualifications and practical legal
training requirements.
(2) Unless the Council otherwise determines, an
application under subrule (1) must be
accompanied by an affidavit (exhibiting each
relevant certificate)—
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(a) stating the nature and details of the
applicant's academic qualifications, practical
legal training and practical experience; and
(b) providing evidence that the applicant has the
academic qualifications and any practical
legal training qualifications on which he or
she relies; and
(c) giving details of the applicant's admission in
the overseas jurisdiction on the basis of
which he or she is seeking admission in
Victoria; and
(d) stating that any condition imposed on the
applicant's admission by the admitting
authority in the overseas jurisdiction has
been satisfied; and
(e) stating that the applicant is currently entitled
to practise in the overseas jurisdiction or
elsewhere, has not at any stage been struck
off the roll of practitioners in the overseas
jurisdiction or elsewhere and is not presently
subject to disciplinary inquiry or
proceedings; and
(f) describing the nature, range and character of
the applicant's practice in the overseas
jurisdiction or elsewhere; and
(g) stating whether the applicant has practised as
an Australian-registered foreign lawyer and
whether the applicant is, or has been, subject
to any disciplinary enquiry or proceedings in
relation to that practice; and
(h) stating whether the applicant has applied for
admission in any other Australian
jurisdiction and the result of the application;
and
(i) setting out any additional information the
Council generally requires.
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Division 3—Directions by Council
4.05 Directions by Council
(1) In relation to any application under rule 4.02
or 4.04 for directions, the Council may direct
that—
(a) the existing academic qualifications and
practical legal training of the applicant are
equivalent to the academic qualifications and
practical legal training required of a local
applicant under the Rules; or
(b) the academic qualifications and practical
legal training of the applicant will be
equivalent to the academic qualifications and
practical legal training required of a local
applicant under these Rules if—
(i) the applicant successfully completes
any further academic or practical legal
training requirements that the Council
may specify (whether or not these
requirements also form part of the
qualifications required of a local
applicant); or
(ii) in the case of an overseas practitioner,
if the applicant completes supervised
workplace experience as a law clerk
under the supervision of a person who
is eligible under these Rules to act as a
supervisor; or
(c) the existing academic qualifications and
practical legal training of the applicant are
not equivalent to the academic qualifications
and practical legal training required of a
local applicant under these Rules.
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(2) The Council may dispense with, or vary, either
generally or in respect of any case and on any
conditions it thinks fit, the performance or
observance of any requirement referred to in
subrule (1)(b)(i) or (ii) if it considers that the
dispensation or variation does not substantially
diminish the value of the academic qualifications
or practical legal training required under those
subrules.
(3) Without limiting the Council's discretions under
subrules (1) and (2), when deciding upon any
direction under this rule, the Council must have
regard to any principles from time to time adopted
by the LACC for assessing the qualifications of
overseas applicants for admission.
(4) In deciding whether an applicant is eligible for
admission under section 2.3.10(1) of the Act, the
Board of Examiners must have regard to—
(a) any direction or dispensation given by the
Council under subrule (1) or (2); and
(b) whether or not the applicant has complied
with that direction or dispensation.
4.06 Specification of time for application for admission
The Council or the Board of Examiners may
specify a time within which an applicant in
relation to whom the Council has given a direction
under rule 4.05(1)(a) or (b) must apply for
admission.
__________________
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PART 5—ADMISSION PROCEDURE
Division 1—Local applicants
5.01 Notice of intention to apply for admission
(1) Not less than 1 month (or any lesser time
determined by the Board of Examiners) before the
appointed day of Supreme Court sittings in which
a local applicant intends to apply for admission,
the local applicant must—
(a) serve on the Board of Examiners a notice of
intention to apply to be admitted in the form
set out in Schedule 5; and
(b) post a copy of the notice in the Supreme
Court as designated by the Board.
(2) Before an appointed day referred to in subrule (1),
the Board of Examiners must publish the names of
persons applying for admission on that day in a
newspaper circulating generally in Victoria.
5.02 Documents in support of admission
(1) Not less than 21 days (or any lesser time
determined by the Board of Examiners) before the
appointed day of Supreme Court sittings in which
a local applicant intends to apply for admission,
the applicant must lodge with the Board of
Examiners—
(a) if the applicant has completed supervised
workplace training under these Rules—
(i) an affidavit by the person who executed
the applicant's training plan on behalf
of the trainee's employer, or by some
other person nominated by the
employer for the purpose, in the form
set out in Schedule 6 or such other form
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as is required by the Board of
Examiners; and
(ii) a certificate by an approved PLT
provider, or other provider approved
under rule 3.09(1)(d)(iv), that the
applicant has completed the elements
referred to in rule 3.09(1)(d)(i) and (ii),
as the case requires; and
(iii) an affidavit executed by each person
who acted as a supervisor of the
applicant, and the applicant, in the form
set out in Schedule 7 or such other form
as is required by the Board of
Examiners; and
(b) a written statement by the applicant
disclosing any matter which a reasonable
applicant would consider that the Board of
Examiners might regard as not being
favourable to the applicant (including any
formal charge of a criminal offence) when
considering—
(i) the applicant's eligibility for admission;
or
(ii) any suitability matter set out in section
1.2.6 of the Act, including whether the
applicant is a fit and proper person to
be admitted; and
(c) an affidavit by the applicant in support of the
application in the form set out in Schedule 8
to which is annexed as required—
(i) a certificate that the applicant has
successfully completed an approved
course of study, including approved
subjects at an approved academic
institution, in the manner required by
these Rules; and
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(ii) if the applicant has completed an
approved PLT course under these
Rules, a certificate that the applicant
has completed the course to the
satisfaction of the approved PLT
provider; and
(iii) if the applicant, for the purposes of
paragraph (a)(ii) and subparagraphs (i)
and (ii), relies on a course of study or
subject, or on a PLT course or element
of such a course, obtained in another
Australian jurisdiction, a certificate
from the admitting authority in that
jurisdiction that the course of study,
subject, PLT course or element, as the
case requires, is recognised for the
purposes of admission to the legal
profession in that jurisdiction; and
(iv) a report by the Chief Commissioner of
Police on the applicant's criminal
record (if any), prepared within
6 months before the date on which the
affidavit is made; and
(v) a report by the approved academic
institution referred to in subparagraph
(i) and the approved PLT provider
referred to in paragraph (a)(ii) or
subparagraph (ii), on any disciplinary
action, however described, arising out
of the applicant's conduct in attaining
the applicant's approved academic
qualification or completing the
applicant's approved practical legal
training requirements at that academic
institution or PLT provider, as the case
requires, prepared within 6 months
before the date on which the affidavit is
made; and
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(vi) 2 affidavits as to character in the form
set out in Schedule 9 each made by an
acceptable deponent; and
(d) any other affidavits, certificates and
information required by the Board of
Examiners.
(2) If the Board of Examiners requires, a local
applicant must cause any certificate and other
document the Board may require, including any
document referred to in subrule (1), to be provided
directly to the Board by the institution or authority
which provides or issues the certificate or
document.
(3) A certificate or document required to be provided
under subrule (2) must be sent to the Board of
Examiners by registered post or by any other
means approved by the Board.
Division 2—Qualified overseas applicants
5.03 Documents in support of admission
(1) After receiving directions under rule 4.05 and not
less than 3 months (or any lesser time determined
by the Board of Examiners) before the appointed
day of Supreme Court sittings in which a qualified
overseas applicant intends to apply for admission,
the applicant must—
(a) serve on the Board of Examiners notice of
intention to apply to be admitted, in the form
set out in Schedule 5; and
(b) post a copy of the notice in the Supreme
Court as designated by the Board.
(2) Not less than 1 month (or any lesser time
determined by the Board of Examiners) before the
appointed day of Supreme Court sittings at which
a qualified overseas applicant intends to apply for
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admission, the applicant must lodge with the
Board of Examiners—
(a) if the applicant has completed supervised
workplace training under these Rules—
(i) an affidavit by the person who executed
the applicant's training plan on behalf
of the trainee's employer, in the form
set out in Schedule 6 or such other form
as is required by the Board of
Examiners; and
(ii) a certificate by an approved PLT
provider or an external provider
approved under rule 3.09(1)(d)(iv) that
the applicant has completed the
elements referred to in rule
3.09(1)(d)(i) and (ii), as the case
requires; and
(iii) an affidavit executed by each person
who acted as a supervisor of the
applicant, in the form set out in
Schedule 7 or in such other form as is
required by the Board of Examiners;
and
(b) a written statement by the applicant
disclosing any matter which a reasonable
applicant would consider that the Board of
Examiners might regard as not being
favourable to the applicant (including any
formal charge of a criminal offence) when
considering—
(i) the applicant's eligibility for admission;
or
(ii) any suitability matter set out in section
1.2.6 of the Act, including whether the
applicant is a fit and proper person to
be admitted; and
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(c) an affidavit by the applicant in support of the
application in the form set out in Schedule 8
to which is annexed as required—
(i) certificates evidencing that the
applicant has obtained a degree in law
and any other qualifications on which
the applicant relies; and
(ii) a certificate that the applicant has
successfully completed a course of
study which requires a student to
acquire and demonstrate appropriate
understanding of, and competence in,
each of the academic areas of
knowledge set out in Schedule 2 and
any further academic qualifications
specified by the Council under
rule 4.05(1)(b); and
(iii) if the applicant has completed an
approved PLT course under these
Rules, a certificate that the applicant
has completed the course to the
satisfaction of the approved PLT
provider; and
(iv) if the applicant, for the purposes of
subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii), relies on
an academic qualification, course of
study or subject obtained in another
Australian jurisdiction, a certificate
from the admitting authority in that
jurisdiction that the academic
qualification, course of study or
subject, as the case requires, is
recognised for the purposes of
admission to the legal profession in that
jurisdiction; and
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(v) unless the Board of Examiners
determines otherwise in a particular
case, a report from the police in the
overseas jurisdiction where the
applicant obtained the academic
qualifications and practical legal
training on which the applicant relies
on the applicant's criminal record
(if any) prepared within 2 years before
the date on which the affidavit is made;
and
(vi) where the applicant has lived in
Australia for more than 3 months
during the 2 years before the date on
which the affidavit is made, a report by
the Chief Commissioner of Police on
the applicant's criminal record in
Australia (if any), prepared within
1 month before the date on which the
affidavit is made; and
(vii) a report by the institution that granted
the degree or qualification referred to in
subparagraph (i) or the institution that
provided a certificate referred to in
subparagraph (ii) or the PLT provider
referred to in subparagraph (iii), on any
disciplinary action, however described,
arising out of the applicant's conduct in
attaining the relevant academic
qualification or completing practical
legal training requirements at the
institution or PLT provider, as the case
requires, prepared within 6 months
before the date on which the affidavit is
made; and
(viii) 2 affidavits as to character in the form
set out in Schedule 9 each made by an
acceptable deponent; and
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(d) any other affidavits, certificates and
information required by the Board of
Examiners.
(3) If the Board of Examiners requires, a qualified
overseas applicant must cause any certificate and
other document the Board may require, including
any document referred to in subrule (2), to be
provided directly to the Board by the institution or
authority which provides or issues the certificate
or document.
(4) A certificate or document required to be provided
under subrule (3) must be sent to the Board of
Examiners by registered post or by any other
means approved by the Board.
Division 3—Interstate and New Zealand practitioners
5.04 Mutual recognition admissions
(1) If an interstate lawyer or a New Zealand
practitioner notifies the Supreme Court that he or
she seeks registration in Victoria as a local lawyer
under the mutual recognition legislation, the
prothonotary of the Supreme Court must provide
to the Board of Examiners the notice and
accompanying documents required to be lodged
with the Court under that legislation.
(2) The Board of Examiners may make any inquiries
it thinks fit concerning any notification of
registration under this Division.
(3) The Board of Examiners must—
(a) if it is satisfied that the notice and
accompanying documents provided under
subrule (1) comply with the requirements of
the mutual recognition legislation, issue a
certificate in the form set out in Schedule 11
certifying that the interstate lawyer or New
Zealand practitioner (as the case requires)
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appears to be entitled to be admitted to the
legal profession in Victoria; or
(b) if it is not so satisfied, refer the notice and
accompanying documents to the Supreme
Court for determination in accordance with
the mutual recognition legislation.
Division 4—Overseas practitioners
5.05 Documents in support of admission
(1) After receiving directions under rule 4.05 and not
less than 3 months (or any lesser time determined
by the Board of Examiners) before the appointed
day of Supreme Court sittings in which an
overseas practitioner intends to apply for
admission, the overseas practitioner must—
(a) deliver to the Board of Examiners a
statement in the form set out in Schedule 10;
and
(b) deliver to the Board of Examiners
2 affidavits as to character, in the form set
out in Schedule 9, each made by an
acceptable deponent; and
(c) deliver to the Board of Examiners a
statement disclosing any matter which a
reasonable applicant would consider that the
Board of Examiners might regard as not
being favourable to the applicant (including
any formal charge of a criminal offence)
when considering—
(i) the applicant's eligibility for admission;
or
(ii) any suitability matter set out in section
1.2.6 of the Act, including whether the
applicant is a fit and proper person to
be admitted; and
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(d) unless the Board of Examiners determines
otherwise in a particular case, deliver to the
Board of Examiners a report from the police
in the overseas jurisdiction where the
applicant is a practitioner on the applicant's
criminal record (if any) prepared within
2 years before the date on which the report is
delivered; and
(e) where the applicant has lived in Australia for
more that 3 months during the 2 years before
the date upon which the affidavit is made, a
report by the Chief Commissioner of Police
on the applicant's criminal record in
Australia (if any), prepared within 1 month
before the date on which the affidavit is
made; and
(f) serve on the Board of Examiners notice of
intention to apply to be admitted in the form
set out in Schedule 5, and post a copy of the
notice in the Supreme Court as designated by
the Board; and
(g) deliver to the Board any other affidavits,
certificates and information required by the
Board.
(2) Not less than 1 month (or any lesser time
determined by the Board of Examiners) before the
appointed day of Supreme Court sittings in which
an overseas practitioner intends to apply for
admission, the overseas practitioner must lodge
with the Board of Examiners—
(a) an affidavit of qualifications in the form set
out in Schedule 12; and
(b) if the practitioner has completed an approved
PLT course training under these Rules, a
certificate that he or she has completed the
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course to the satisfaction of the accredited
PLT provider; and
(c) if the practitioner has completed a period of
supervised workplace experience as a law
clerk with an Australian legal practitioner,
under the supervision of a person who is
eligible to act as a supervisor for the
purposes of these Rules, in compliance with
a direction given by the Council, an affidavit
by the Australian legal practitioner in the
form set out in Schedule 13.
Division 5—Consideration of applications
5.06 Recommendation of Board of Examiners
(1) Before the Board of Examiners makes a
recommendation with respect to an application
under section 2.3.10(1)(b) of the Act, it must
determine—
(a) in the case of a local applicant, that the
applicant has, subject to rule 2.01(3), the
academic qualification referred to in rule
2.01(1) and has complied with the practical
training requirement set out in rule 3.01;
(b) in the case of a qualified overseas applicant
or an overseas practitioner, that the applicant
has complied with any direction given by the
Council under rule 4.05.
(2) If the Board of Examiners makes a
recommendation with respect to an application
under section 2.3.10(1)(b) of the Act, it must give
the applicant a certificate in the form set out in
Schedule 14.
(3) The Board of Examiners, before providing a
certificate under subrule (2), may require an
applicant—
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(a) to provide any further evidence that the
Board thinks fit in relation to any matter
relevant to the Board's consideration under
section 2.3.10(1)(a) of the Act; or
(b) to appear in person before the Board.
Division 6—Altering requirements of the Rules
5.07 Alteration of requirement by Board of Examiners
(1) On the application of a person seeking admission,
the Board of Examiners may, subject to any
conditions it thinks fit—
(a) enlarge or abridge the time required by any
of these Rules for doing any act or taking
any proceeding; and
(b) subject to subrule (3)—
(i) dispense with the performance or
observance of any requirement in these
Rules; or
(ii) vary any requirement in these Rules—
to the extent that the Board considers that such
enlargement, abridgment, dispensation or
variation does not materially diminish or, if the
applicant complies with any conditions imposed
by the Board under this rule, will not materially
diminish, the value of the qualifications or
training required by these Rules.
(2) The Board of Examiners may not dispense with
compliance with the provisions in these Rules
relating to the period of supervised workplace
training so as to abridge that period by more than
3 months.
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(3) The Board of Examiners may only dispense with
or vary the requirement that an applicant acquire
and demonstrate appropriate understanding of,
and competence in an element of—
(a) an academic area of knowledge referred to in
rule 2.01(1)(a); or
(b) a skill, value or practice area referred to in
rule 3.01(1)(b)—
if in the circumstances resulting from a
determination made by the Council under that
rule, it would be unfair to the applicant not to do
so.
__________________
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PART 6—GENERAL
6.01 Council or Board may make inquiries
The Council or the Board of Examiners may make
any inquiries it thinks fit concerning any
application under these Rules, including inquiries
in relation to—
(a) in the case of an application by an overseas
practitioner or a qualified overseas applicant,
the system of jurisprudence of the overseas
jurisdiction in which the applicant has been
admitted or in which the applicant obtained
the qualification that forms the basis on
which the applicant seeks the Council's
directions; and
(b) the nature and adequacy of the applicant's
academic qualifications, practical legal
training and experience in the practice of
law; and
(c) the fitness of the applicant to be admitted in
Victoria.
6.02 Council or Board may act on advice of others
(1) If it thinks fit, the Council or the Board of
Examiners may act in respect of the matters
referred to in rule 6.01—
(a) on the written advice of the dean or head of
department of Law at an approved academic
institution; or
(b) the report of a committee appointed by the
Council.
(2) In deciding whether any subject completed
anywhere by any applicant under these Rules
provides the applicant with an understanding of,
and competence in, any area of knowledge or in a
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topic which is part of an area of knowledge, the
Council, a committee of the Council or the Board
of Examiners may act (but are not obliged to
act)—
(a) on the advice of the dean or head of
department of Law at an approved academic
institution; or
(b) in accordance with any relevant principles
adopted by the LACC.
(3) In deciding whether an applicant has acquired and
demonstrated an appropriate understanding of and
competence in each element of a skill, value or
practice area through a course of practical legal
training, or practical legal training provided
during supervised workplace training under these
Rules, the Council, the Board of Examiners, or a
committee of either the Council or the Board may
act (but is not obliged to act)—
(a) in the case of practical legal training
provided by an approved PLT provider, on a
certificate of practical completion given by
that provider; or
(b) in the case of supervised workplace training
under these Rules, on an affidavit in the form
of Schedule 6 or Schedule 7.
6.03 Service of notices
(1) A document required or permitted to be served or
produced or delivered to the Council or the Board
of Examiners by an applicant under these Rules
must be served, produced or delivered to the
office of the Chief Executive Officer of the
Council and the Board of Examiners.
(2) A document required or permitted to be served on
or produced or delivered to the Board of
Examiners by an applicant must be signed by the
applicant and delivered in person, unless—
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(a) it is inconsistent with the relevant rule to do
so; or
(b) the Board of Examiners does not require it.
(3) A document required or permitted to be served on
or produced or delivered to the Council by an
applicant under these Rules may be served,
produced or delivered—
(a) in person; or
(b) by registered post.
__________________
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PART 7—TRANSITIONAL AND SAVINGS PROVISIONS
7.01 Definition
In this Part—
former rules means the Legal Practice
(Admission) Rules 1999.
7.02 Saving of determinations etc. under former rules
(1) Any determination, direction, endorsement,
certificate, specification, permission or approval
made or issued by the Council or Board of
Examiners under the former rules—
(a) continues to have effect as if the former rules
had not been revoked; and
(b) in so far as that determination, direction,
endorsement, certificate, specification,
permission or approval could be made or
issued by the Council or Board of Examiners
under these Rules, has effect as if it had been
made or issued by the Council or Board and
may be revoked or varied by the Council or
the Board, as the case requires.
(2) Without limiting subrule (1), for the purpose of
these Rules—
(a) an approved institution within the meaning
of the former rules is an approved academic
institution;
(b) a course recognised under rule 2.02 of the
former rules is an approved course of study;
(c) a subject endorsed under rule 2.03 of the
former rules is an approved subject;
(d) an accredited PLT provider within the
meaning of the former rules is an approved
PLT provider;
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(e) a course of instruction endorsed under
rule 3.03 of the former rules is an approved
PLT course.
7.03 Compliance with former rules
A person who, before the commencement of these
Rules, has complied with any requirements
imposed under the former rules and continues to
comply with those requirements after that
commencement may apply for admission and be
considered by the Board of Examiners under
section 2.3.10(1)(a) of the Act in accordance with
the former rules.
7.04 Resolution of issues arising under former rules
The Council or the Board of Examiners, on the
application of a person or its own initiative, may
make any determination or direction it considers
necessary to resolve any issues arising as a result
of the operation of these Rules and the expiry or
revocation of the former rules.
__________________
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SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 1
Rule 1.04
RULES REVOKED
S.R. No. Name
144/1999 Legal Practice (Admission Rules) 1999
20/2003 Legal Practice (Admission) (Amendment) Rules 2003
149/2005 Legal Practice (Admission) (Amendment) Rules 2005
__________________
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SCHEDULE 2
Rule 2.01
ACADEMIC AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
Although the topics below are grouped for convenience under
the headings of particular areas of knowledge, there is no
implication that a topic needs to be taught in a subject covering
the area of knowledge in the heading rather than in another
suitable subject.
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
1 The definition of crime
2 Elements of crime
3 Aims of the criminal law
4 Homicide and defences
5 Non-fatal offences against the person and defences
6 Offences against property
7 General doctrines
8 Selected topics chosen from:
– attempts
– participation in crime
– drunkenness
– mistake
– strict responsibility
9 Elements of criminal procedure. Selected topics chosen
from:
– classification of offences
– process to compel appearance
– bail
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– preliminary examination
– trial of indictable offences
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should provide knowledge of the
general doctrines of the criminal law and, in
particular, examination of both offences against the
person and against property. Selective treatment
should also be given to various defences and to
elements of criminal procedure.
TORTS
1 Negligence, including defences
2 A representative range of torts (other than negligence)
and their defences
3 Damages
4 Concurrent liability
5 Compensation schemes
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The potential compass of this area is so large that
considerable variation might be anticipated. At the
very least, there should be a study of negligence
and of a representative range of torts, with some
consideration of defences and damages, and of
alternative methods of providing compensation for
accidental injury. Examples of these topics are:
concurrent liability, defamation, economic torts,
nuisance, breach of statutory duty and
compensation schemes.
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CONTRACTS
1 Formation, including capacity, formalities, privity and
consideration
2 Content and construction of contract
3 Vitiating factors
4 Discharge
5 Remedies
6 Assignment
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
Some variation may be expected in the breadth and
detail of the topics. In general, however,
knowledge of the formal requirements for
concluding contracts, capacity, the content and
interpretation of contracts, their performance and
discharge, and available remedies, together with an
understanding of the broad theoretical basis of
contract would be expected.
PROPERTY
1 Meaning and purposes of the concept of property
2 Possession, seisin and title
3 Nature and type (i.e. fragmentation) of proprietary
interests
4 Creation and enforceability of proprietary interests
5 Legal and equitable remedies
6 Statutory schemes of registration
7 Acquisition and disposal of proprietary interests
8 Concurrent ownership
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9 Proprietary interests in land owned by another
10 Mortgages
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should provide knowledge of the nature
and type of various proprietary interests in chattels
and land, and their creation and relative
enforceability at law and in equity. Statutory
schemes of registration for both general law land
and Torrens land should be included. A variety of
other topics might be included, e.g. fixtures,
concurrent interests and more detailed treatment of
such matters as sale of land, leases, mortgages,
easements, restrictive covenants etc.
EQUITY
1 (a) The nature of equity
(b) Equitable rights, titles and interests
(c) Equitable assignments
(d) Estoppel in equity
(e) Fiduciary obligations
(f) Unconscionable transactions
(g) Equitable remedies
2 Trusts, with particular reference to the various types of
trusts and the manner and form of their creation and
variation. The duties, rights and powers of trustees
should be included, as should the consequences of
breach of trust and the remedies available to, and
respective rights of, beneficiaries. (It is expected that
about half the course will be devoted to trusts.)
OR
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Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should cover the elements of trust law,
equitable doctrines apart from those relating to
trusts, and equitable remedies. The following
aspects of trusts law should be dealt with: various
kinds of trusts; the rights, duties and powers of
trustees; the consequences of breach of trust.
Apart from trusts, the following equitable doctrines
might be covered, for example, fiduciary
obligations, equitable assignments,
unconscionability and confidential information.
The remedies of specific performance, injunction,
declaration and damages in equity should be
included. (It is expected that about half the course
will be devoted to trusts.)
COMPANY LAW
1 Corporate personality
2 The incorporation process
3 The corporate constitution
4 Company contracts
5 Administration of companies and management of the
business of companies
6 Duties and liabilities of directors and officers
7 Share capital and membership
8 Members' remedies
9 Company credit and security arrangements
10 Winding up of companies
OR
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Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should include an analysis of
incorporation and its effects, management and
control of a company, the various methods of
financing—by the issue of shares and by debt—
and the processes of winding up a company.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
1 Organisation and structure of the administration
2 Administrative law theory
3 Common law and statutory avenues of judicial review
at Commonwealth and State level
4 Grounds of judicial review
5 Remedies
6 Crown immunity
7 Administrative Appeals Tribunal
8 Statutory review
9 Freedom of information
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should not only embrace traditional
common law remedies concerning judicial review
of administrative action, but should also cover the
range of Commonwealth and State statutory
regimes.
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FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
1 State constitutions and constitutional systems
2 The Commonwealth Constitution and constitutional
system
3 The constitution and operation of the legislature,
executive and judiciary
4 The relationship between the different institutions of
government and the separation of powers
5 The relationship between the different levels of
government
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should include knowledge of the major
principles of both the relevant State or Territory
Constitution and the Commonwealth Constitution,
including the relations between the different
Commonwealth and State or Territory laws.
A general knowledge of the scope of both State or
Territory and Commonwealth Constitutions is
required, although the topics will differ in the
depth of treatment of specific heads of power,
particularly in the Commonwealth sphere.
CIVIL PROCEDURE
1 Court adjudication under an adversary system
2 The cost of litigation and the use of costs to control
litigation
3 Service of originating process—as foundation of
jurisdiction, including service out of the relevant State
or Territory and choice of forum
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4 Joinder of claims and parties, including group
proceedings and the defence of prior adjudication as
instances of the public interest in avoiding a
multiplicity of proceedings and inconsistent verdicts
5 Defining the questions for trial—pleadings, notices to
admit and other devices
6 Obtaining evidence—discovery of documents,
interrogatories, subpoena and other devices
7 Disposition without trial, including the compromise of
litigation
8 Extra-judicial determination of issues arising in the
course of litigation
9 Judgement
10 Appeal
11 Enforcement
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should embrace the general study of
rules of civil procedure relevant in the State or
Territory. Rules concerning jurisdiction, the
initiation and service of process, the definition of
issues through pleadings and judgment and
enforcement should all be included.
EVIDENCE
1 Introduction
2 Competence and compellability
3 Privilege
4 The examination of witnesses
5 Disposition and character
6 Similar fact evidence
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7 The accused as a witness
8 Burden and standard of proof
9 Documentary evidence
10 Opinion evidence and prior determination
11 Hearsay:
– the exclusionary rule
– the common law and statutory exceptions
12 Admissions and confessions in criminal cases
13 Illegally obtained evidence and confirmation by
subsequent fact
14 Res gestae
15 Corroboration
OR
Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should include examination of both the
sources and acceptability of evidence, including
rules concerning the burden and standard of proof
and technical rules concerning such matters as
hearsay, admissions and confessions, illegally
obtained evidence and res gestae.
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Professional and personal conduct in respect of a practitioner's
duty:
(a) to the law;
(b) to the Courts;
(c) to clients, including a basic knowledge of the principles
relating to the holding of money on trust; and
(d) to fellow practitioners.
OR
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Topics of such breadth and depth as to satisfy the
following guidelines.
The topics should include knowledge of the
various pertinent rules concerning a practitioner's
duty to the law, the Courts, clients and fellow
practitioners, and a basic knowledge of the
principles relating to the holding of money on trust.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 3
Rule 3.01(1)(b)(i)
PLT COMPETENCY STANDARDS
COMPETENCY STANDARDS FOR ENTRY-LEVEL LAWYERS
The following Competency Standards for practical legal training for entry-
level lawyers have been jointly developed by the Australasian Professional
Legal Education Council (APLEC) and the Law Admissions Consultative
Committee.
At the point of admission, each applicant for admission to the legal
profession is required to provide evidence, as specified in these Rules, that
the applicant has achieved the requisite competence in each element of the
following Skills, Practice Areas and Values:
Compulsory Skills Practice Areas
Compulsory
Values
Lawyer's Skills
Problem Solving
Work Management and
Business Skills
Trust and Office
Accounting
Compulsory Areas:
Civil Litigation Practice
Commercial and Corporate
Practice
Property Law Practice
Optional Areas:
One of:
Administrative Law Practice
Criminal Law Practice
Family Law Practice
And one of:
Consumer Law Practice
Employment and Industrial
Relations Practice
Planning and Environmental
Law Practice
Wills and Estates Practice
Ethics and
Professional
Responsibility
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The relevant Competency Standards for each Skill, Practice Area and Value
are set out below.
Administrative Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in administrative
law should be able to obtain information for clients
under freedom of information legislation, seek
review of administrative decisions, and represent
parties before courts and administrative tribunals.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Obtaining
information
y identified whether freedom of information
legislation applies to the situation.
y identified the specific legislation under which
the information may be obtained.
y taken the steps required under that legislation.
y taken any other practical steps required.
2 Obtaining
review of
administrative
decisions
y concluded correctly that the decision may be
reviewed.
y identified and discussed with the client
alternative means of obtaining a review.
y completed all preparation required by law, good
practice and the circumstances of the matter.
y represented the client effectively at any
mediation, hearing or other review forum,
where this is appropriate and permitted.
3 Representing a
client
y identified all alternative means of obtaining
redress and discussed them with the client.
y completed all preparation required by law, good
practice and the circumstances of the matter.
y represented the client effectively at any
mediation, hearing or other forum.
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Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to State and Federal administrative law and
practice and proceedings before both State and Federal courts and tribunals.
For an entry level lawyer administrative law practice may be either an area of
specialised practice or an ancillary part of general practice.
Preparing to represent a client in a court or tribunal may include drafting
written submissions.
Civil Litigation Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to conduct civil
litigation in first instance matters in one or more
State or Territory courts of general jurisdiction, in a
timely and cost-effective manner.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Assessing the
merits of a case
and identifying
the dispute
resolution
alternatives
y assessed the strengths and weaknesses of both
the claimant's and opponent's cases.
y identified the facts and evidence required to
support the claimant's case.
y identified all means of resolving the case,
having regard to the client's circumstances.
y identified and complied with the relevant
limitation period.
2 Initiating and
responding to
claims
y identified an appropriate claim or defence.
y identified a court of appropriate jurisdiction.
y identified the elements of the claim or defence,
according to law.
y followed procedures for bringing the claim or
making the defence in accordance with the
court's rules and in a timely manner.
y drafted all necessary documents in accordance
with those procedures.
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3 Taking and
responding to
interlocutory
proceedings
y identified any need for interlocutory steps,
according to the court's rules.
y followed procedures for taking those steps in
accordance with the court's rules and in a
timely manner.
y drafted all necessary documents in accordance
with those procedures and rules.
4 Gathering and
presenting
evidence
y identified issues likely to arise at the hearing.
y identified evidence needed to prove any facts in
dispute, according to the rules of evidence.
y gathered the necessary evidence.
y presented that evidence according to law and
the court's rules.
5 Negotiating
settlements
y conducted settlement negotiations in
accordance with specified principles.
y identified any revenue and statutory refund
implications.
y properly documented any settlement reached.
6 Taking action to
enforce orders
and settlement
agreements
y identified procedures for enforcing the order or
settlement according to law and the court's
rules.
y followed those procedures in a timely manner.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to first instance civil litigation in a local
lower and a local higher court of an Australian State or Territory, having
general jurisdiction, and in the Federal Court.
Means by which a dispute might be resolved include, but are not limited to:
y negotiation;
y mediation;
y arbitration;
y litigation;
y expert appraisal.
Means by which evidence might be gathered include:
y statements from witness;
y notices to admit;
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y discovery;
y subpoena;
y expert reports;
y certified official records, banker's books etc.
Means by which evidence might be presented include:
y orally on oath;
y affidavits;
y video or telephone link.
Means of enforcement include:
y execution process including attachment of debts;
y taxation or assessment of costs;
y oral examination.
Commercial and Corporate Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to conduct
standard commercial transactions such as the sale or
purchase of a small business. The lawyer should be
able to set up standard business structures using
entities such as companies, trusts and partnerships;
provide basic advice on finance and securities and
the obligations of companies and their officers; and
appreciate the type of advice needed to assess the
revenue implications of standard commercial
transactions.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Conducting
commercial
transactions
y identified the nature of the transaction properly.
y undertaken sufficient searches and inquiries to
investigate any relevant issues of title to real or
personal property.
y drafted documents, had them executed, and
(if necessary) certified, stamped and registered
them, according to law and good practice.
y obtained or given any necessary consents to, or
notifications of, the transaction required by law.
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2 Setting up
commercial
structures
y selected a structure that will achieve the client's
objectives.
y drafted all documents required to set up the
structure (including establishing any discrete
entities that will form part of the structure) had
them executed and (if necessary) certified,
stamped and registered them, according to law
and good practice.
y informed the client of any continuing
obligations in relation to the structure, and
where the structure involves a corporation, the
continuing obligations of the company and its
officers.
3 Dealing with
loans and
securities
y identified the various appropriate types of
financial arrangements and securities available
to the borrower and lender.
y informed the borrower and lender of their
immediate, continuing, and potential liabilities
under any proposed financing and security
arrangements.
y drafted loan or security documents which
reflect the agreement between lender and
borrower.
y had the loan or security documents executed
and (if necessary) stamped and registered them
according to law.
4 Advising on
revenue law and
practice
y identified the possible general revenue
implications of the client's proposed
commercial venture or arrangement.
y referred the client to experts for more
comprehensive or detailed advice, where
appropriate.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to commercial and corporate practice.
It includes:
y some common commercial transactions, such as the sale or purchase
of a small business;
y setting up standard business structures and entities, including
companies;
y advising on the legal obligations of corporations and their officers;
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y advising on due diligence investigations;
y identifying in a general way the possible revenue implications of
standard commercial dealings and structures;
y drafting standard loan agreements and securities.
Business structures include:
y trusts;
y private companies;
y partnerships;
y joint ventures;
y franchise arrangements.
Securities include:
y bills of sale;
y chattel leases;
y loans agreements;
y guarantees, including guarantees from spouses.
Revenue implications include:
y stamp duties;
y income tax;
y capital gains tax;
y GST;
y fringe benefits tax;
y land and property taxes.
Consumer Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in consumer law
should be able to advise clients on the procedures
and remedies available in relation to consumer
complaints and to represent the client in any related
negotiations or proceedings.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Obtaining
information
y identified the situation as one to which
consumer protection legislation applies.
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y identified the relevant legislation and any
applicable case law.
y identified any possible common law remedies.
2 Drafting
documents
y drafted any documents required, in accordance
with the client's instructions and the relevant
legislation.
3 Initiating and
responding to
claims
y identified the appropriate forum for initiating or
responding to a claim.
y initiated a claim or taken action to oppose a
claim in accordance with the rules and
procedures of the relevant court or tribunal, in a
timely manner.
y obtained all necessary evidence and drafted all
necessary documents in accordance with those
rules.
4 Representing
the client
y identified all possible means of resolving the
dispute to the satisfaction of the client and
discussed them with the client.
y completed all necessary preparation in
accordance with the law, good practice and the
circumstances of the matter.
y represented the client effectively at any
negotiation, mediation, hearing or other forum.
5 Taking action to
implement
outcomes
y documented any order or settlement properly
and explained it to the client in a way which the
client can easily understand.
y identified any procedures necessary to enforce
the order or settlement and carried them out in
a timely manner.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to the practice of consumer law.
It includes both State and Federal consumer protection legislation and codes.
Consumer protection legislation includes State and Federal legislation and
codes dealing with:
y trade practices;
y misleading and deceptive conduct;
y motor car traders;
y domestic building contracts;
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y consumer credit;
y residential tenancies.
A consumer protection dispute includes disputes relating to:
y trade practices;
y misleading and deceptive conduct;
y motor car traders;
y domestic building contracts;
y consumer credit;
y guarantees;
y residential tenancies.
A court or tribunal includes:
y Federal courts;
y State courts;
y statutory tribunals;
y industry complaint panels;
y industry ombudsmen.
Criminal Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in criminal law
should be able to advise clients before arrest, seek
bail, make pleas, participate in minor contested
hearings and assist in preparing cases for trial.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Providing
advice
y identified the client's legal rights and legal
powers of the police or other prosecutors or
investigators in the situation.
y informed the client of those rights and powers
in a way which the client can easily understand.
y identified the legal elements of any offence
with which the client is charged.
y where possible, confirmed in writing any
instructions given by the client in response to
initial advice.
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y implemented the client's instructions when it is
appropriate in the circumstances to do so.
2 Applying for
bail
y identified the client's options and
communicated them to the client in a way the
client can easily understand.
y helped the client to make an informed decision
about which option to select.
y made an application for bail or taken other
action effectively in the circumstances.
y fully advised the client of any bail conditions.
3 Making pleas y identified the client's options and
communicated them to the client in a way the
client can easily understand.
y identified and gathered all material useful to the
plea according to law and good practice.
y presented the plea in an effective and
persuasive manner, having regard to the
circumstances of the case.
y advised the client fully of the outcome in a way
the client can easily understand.
4 Representing a
client in minor
matters
y completed all preparation required by law,
good practice and the circumstances of the
case.
y represented the client effectively at a contested
hearing.
5 Assisting to
prepare cases
for trial
y identified and gathered the evidence needed to
support the client's case.
y identified and briefed appropriate experts
(including counsel) having regard to good
practice and the requirements of the case.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to criminal law practice. It includes:
y advising clients before and after arrest;
y making a simple bail application on behalf of an accused person;
y making a plea in mitigation of penalty in a simple matter;
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y some aspect of preparing a matter for hearing, such as briefing
counsel;
y participating in a minor contested hearing.
Criminal matters include:
y traffic offences;
y domestic violence and apprehended violence orders;
y drink driving;
y drug offences.
Employment and Industrial Relations Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in the area of
employment and industrial relations should be able
to advise clients on the relevant law and procedures,
represent clients in negotiations and initiate and
respond to applications in relevant State and Federal
courts and tribunals.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Assessing the
merits of the
dispute and
identify the
dispute
resolution
alternatives
y identified the relevant facts.
y assessed the strengths and weaknesses of the
dispute according to the relevant law.
y identified all means of resolving the dispute,
having regard to the client's circumstances.
2 Advising client
on procedures
y advised the client of means to avoid a dispute,
where appropriate.
y advised the client of available steps to
strengthen the client's position.
3 Commencing
negotiations
y explored all opportunities for a negotiated
settlement, subject to the client's instructions.
y represented the client effectively at any
negotiations.
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4 Initiating and
responding to
proceedings
y identified the appropriate jurisdiction.
y initiated or opposed a claim in accordance with
the rules of the relevant court or tribunal, in a
timely manner.
y obtained all necessary evidence and drafted all
necessary documents in accordance with those
rules.
5 Representing
the client
y completed all preparation required by law,
good practice and the circumstances.
y represented the client effectively at any
mediation, hearing or other forum.
6 Taking action to
implement
outcomes
y properly documented any order or settlement
and explained it to the client in a way which the
client can understand.
y identified and carried out any procedures
required to enforce the order or settlement.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to the practice of employment and
industrial relations law at both State and Federal levels.
A dispute may involve:
y award negotiations;
y an industrial dispute relating to an individual employee or to a
workplace or industry;
y an equal employment opportunity or anti-discrimination claim;
y a claim for unfair dismissal.
The means by which a dispute might be resolved include, but are not limited
to:
y negotiation;
y mediation;
y conciliation;
y arbitration;
y litigation.
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Steps available to a client to avoid a dispute or to strengthen the client's
position include:
y altering internal employment practices and procedures;
y revising employment contracts;
y entering or revising enterprise bargaining agreements;
y altering individual employment contracts;
y taking disciplinary proceedings;
y allowing industrial representation.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should act ethically and
demonstrate professional responsibility and
professional courtesy in all dealings with clients, the
courts, the community and other lawyers.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Acting ethically y identified any relevant ethical dimension of a
particular situation.
y taken action which complies with professional
ethical standards in that situation.
2 Discharging the
legal duties and
obligations of
legal
practitioners
y identified any duty or obligation imposed on
the lawyer by law in a particular situation.
y discharged that duty or obligation according to
law and good practice.
3 Complying with
professional
conduct rules
y identified any applicable rules of professional
conduct.
y taken action which complies with those rules.
4 Complying with
fiduciary duties
y recognised and complied with any fiduciary
duty, according to law and good practice.
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5 Avoiding
conflicts of
interest
y identified any potential or actual conflict, as
soon as is reasonable in the circumstances.
y taken effective action to avoid a potential
conflict or, where a conflict has already arisen,
dealt with it in accordance with law and good
practice.
y taken appropriate action, where applicable, to
prevent such a conflict arising in the future.
6 Acting
courteously
y demonstrated professional courtesy in all
dealings with others.
7 Complying with
rules relating to
the charging of
fees
y identified any rules applying to charging
professional fees.
y complied with those rules, where they are
relevant.
y maintained records and accounts in accordance
with law and good practice.
8 Reflecting on
wider issues
y reflected on that lawyer's professional
performance in particular situations.
y brought to the attention of an employer or
professional association any matters that
require consideration or clarification.
y recognised the importance of pro bono
contributions to legal practice.
y demonstrated an awareness that
mismanagement of living and work practices
can impair the lawyer's skills, productivity,
health and family life.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to:
y ethics;
y statutes and general law relating to the duties and obligations of legal
practitioners;
y written and unwritten rules of professional conduct;
y written and unwritten rules of professional courtesy.
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The duties and obligations imposed by law on legal practitioners include
duties:
y of confidentiality;
y to maintain competence;
y to act honestly;
y not to mislead the court;
y not to pervert the course of justice or the due administration of justice.
Conflicts of interest commonly arise between:
y joint venture partners;
y directors and shareholders of a company;
y trustees and beneficiaries in a family trust;
y parties to any transaction where their interests potentially differ.
Family Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in family law
should be able to apply for dissolution of marriage,
and advise and take action in relation to parenting
matters property settlements, spouse maintenance
and child support problems.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Applying for
dissolution of
marriage
y obtained instructions reflecting the client's
informed wishes.
y prepared an application complying with the
relevant court rules.
y filed and served the application in accordance
with those rules.
y proved service in accordance with those rules.
y presented the client's application to the court
effectively.
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2 Acting in
relation to
ancillary
matters
y informed the client of all options, having regard
to the circumstances of the case, in a way
which the client can easily understand.
y fully prepared the client's case having regard to
the client's circumstances, the dispute
resolution process the client has decided to
pursue and good practice.
y pursued the case in accordance with good
practice for the chosen dispute resolution
process.
y identified and explained to the client the
revenue implications of any proposed
settlement.
y documented and acted upon any results of the
chosen dispute resolution process, as required
by law and good practice.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to dissolution of marriage and ancillary
matters arising from the breakdown of marriages or other domestic
relationships. It includes:
y applying for dissolution of marriage; and
y managing a parenting or property matter in a family court up to the
first directions hearing.
Ancillary matters include:
y parenting matters;
y property settlements;
y spouse maintenance;
y child support;
y domestic violence orders;
y injunctions and sole use orders;
y de facto proceedings.
Acting includes:
y participating in primary dispute resolution processes;
y informal negotiation;
y initiating or responding to court proceedings for urgent, interim or
final relief.
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Lawyer's Skills
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to demonstrate
oral communication skills, legal interviewing skills,
advocacy skills, negotiation and dispute resolution
skills, and letter writing and legal drafting skills.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Communicating
effectively
y identified the purpose of a proposed
communication, the most effective way of
making it, an appropriate communication
strategy, and the content of the proposed
communication.
y presented thoughts, advice, and submissions in
a logical, clear, succinct and persuasive
manner, having regard to the circumstances and
the person or forum to whom the
communication is made.
y identified and appropriately dealt with verbal,
non-verbal and cross-cultural aspects of the
proposed communication.
y taken any follow-up action in accordance with
good practice.
2 Interviewing
clients
y prepared for the interview properly, having
regard to relevant information available before
the interview and the circumstances.
y conducted the interview using communication
techniques appropriate to both the client and
the context.
y ensured that the client and lawyer have both
obtained all the information which they wanted
from the interview in a timely, effective and
efficient way, having regard to the
circumstances.
y ensured that the lawyer and client left the
interview with a common understanding of the
lawyer's instructions (if any) and any future
action that the lawyer or client is to take.
y made a record of the interview that satisfies the
requirements of law and good practice.
y taken any follow-up action in a timely manner.
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3 Writing letters y identified the need for, and purpose of, the
letter.
y written the letter in simple, straightforward
English which conveys its purpose clearly and
can be easily understood by the person to
whom it is sent.
4 Drafting other
documents
y identified the need for, and purpose, of the
document.
y devised an effective form and structure for the
document having regard to the parties, the
circumstances, good practice, principles of
writing simple, straightforward English and the
relevant law.
y drafted the document effectively having regard
to the parties, the circumstances, good practice,
principles of writing simple, straightforward
English, and the relevant law.
y considered whether the document should be
settled by counsel.
y taken every action required to make the
document effective and enforceable in a timely
manner and according to law (such as
execution by the parties, stamping, delivery and
registration).
5 Negotiating
settlements and
agreements
y prepared the client's case properly having
regard to the circumstances and good practice.
y identified the strategy and tactics to be used in
negotiations and discussed them with and
obtained approval from the client.
y carried out the negotiations effectively having
regard to the strategy and tactics adopted, the
circumstances of the case and good practice.
y documented any resolution as required by law
or good practice and explained it to the client in
a way the client can easily understand.
6 Facilitating
early resolution
of disputes
y identified the advantages and disadvantages of
available dispute resolution options and
explained them to the client.
y performed in the lawyer's role in the dispute
resolution process effectively, having regard to
the circumstances.
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y documented any resolution as required by law
or good practice and explained it to the client in
a way the client can easily understand.
7 Representing a
client in court
y observed the etiquette and procedures of the
forum.
y organised and presented in an effective,
strategic way:
– factual material;
– analysis of relevant legal issues; and
– relevant decided cases.
y presented and tested evidence in accordance
with the law and good practice.
y made submissions effectively and coherently in
accordance with law and good practice.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to "composite" skills which require a
lawyer to synthesise several generic skills and apply them in a specific legal
context. Lawyers must be able to exercise such skills effectively.
Representation refers to advocacy on behalf of a client in a court, tribunal or
other forum. It includes:
y an aspect of preliminary or pre-trial civil or criminal proceedings;
y an aspect of first instance trial advocacy in a simple matter;
y leading evidence-in-chief and making submissions.
Representation includes cross-examination and re-examination.
Dispute resolution options include:
y negotiation;
y mediation;
y arbitration;
y litigation;
y expert appraisal.
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Planning and Environmental Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in planning and
environmental law should be able to advise clients on
the relevant law, generally assist them in the
planning process; initiate or oppose applications in,
and obtain and present relevant evidence before
appropriate courts or tribunals; and represent clients
in various forums.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Assessing the
merits of the
matter and
advising the
client
y obtained full instructions from the client.
y analysed the facts in accordance with the
relevant law.
y obtained and clarified any relevant technical
information.
y advised the client of any rights and obligations
of the client and potential penalties if
obligations are not observed.
y identified all options and developed a plan of
action in accordance with the client's
instructions.
y examined the commercial, political and public
relations implications of any proposed action
and explained them to the client.
2 Preparing
applications
y identified and analysed the relevant provisions
of the relevant planning scheme.
y prepared an application for development
approval and submitted it to the relevant
authority.
y obtained any necessary plans.
y identified potential grounds of objection.
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3 Initiating and
responding to
claims
y identified the appropriate forum for initiating or
responding to a claim.
y initiated or opposed a claim in accordance with
the rules of the relevant court or tribunal, in a
timely manner.
y obtained all necessary evidence and drafted all
necessary documents in accordance with those
rules.
4 Representing
the client
y identified all available means of resolving the
matter to the satisfaction of the client and
discussed them with the client.
y completed all preparation required by law,
good practice and the circumstances.
y represented the client effectively in any
negotiation, mediation, hearing or other forum.
5 Implementing
outcomes
y properly documented any order or settlement
and explained it to the client in a way which the
client can easily understand.
y identified and carried out any procedures to
enforce the order or settlement in a timely
manner.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to the practice of planning and
environmental law under both State and Federal legislation.
The client's rights and obligations include rights and obligations under statute
and at common law.
A claim or dispute may include:
y an application for or exemption from a permit, licence, approval or
other authority;
y an objection to or appeal or application for review in relation to such
an application;
y a prosecution for breach of relevant legislation;
y civil action relating to either or both of planning and environmental
issues.
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Reference to a court or tribunal includes a body exercising statutory powers.
Preparation for providing representation in a court or tribunal may include:
y drafting written submissions;
y briefing counsel.
Problem Solving
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to investigate
and analyse facts and law, provide legal advice and
solve legal problems.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Analysing facts
and identifying
issues
y identified and collected all relevant facts as far
as is practicable.
y analysed the facts to identify any existing or
potential legal issues.
y distinguished facts that might be used to prove
a claim from other facts, if the matter so
requires.
2 Analysing law y identified any questions of law raised by the
matter.
y researched those questions of law properly,
having regard to the circumstances.
y identified and interpreted any relevant statutory
provisions and applied them appropriately to
the facts.
3 Providing legal
advice
y applied the law to the facts of the matter in an
appropriate and defensible way.
y given the client advice in a way which the
client can easily understand.
y kept up with any developments that might
affect the accuracy of previous advice and told
the client about the effect of those
developments.
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4 Generating
solutions and
strategies
y identified the problem and the client's goals as
fully as is practicable.
y investigated the facts and legal issues as fully
as is practicable.
y developed creative options and strategies to
meet the client's objectives.
y identified the advantages and disadvantages of
pursuing each option or strategy.
y assisted the client to choose between those
options in a way consistent with good practice.
y developed a plan to implement the client's
preferred option.
y acted to resolve the problem in accordance with
the client's instructions and the lawyer's plan of
action.
y remained open to new information and ideas
and updated advice to the client where
necessary.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to:
y analysing facts;
y analysing legal and practical issues;
y analysing law;
y interpreting statutes;
y giving advice;
y solving problems in the context of legal practice.
Analysing law includes researching legal issues using;
y law libraries;
y online searches;
y electronic data bases;
y legal citators and digests.
Analysing law also includes applying principles of precedent and statutory
interpretation.
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Property Law Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to convey, lease
and mortgage real property. The lawyer should also
be able to provide general advice in standard matters
arising under local government, planning,
environmental or other legislation regulating land use
in that State or Territory.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Transferring
title
y identified the nature of the interest being dealt
with properly, having regard to the applicable
title system.
y prepared an appropriate contract of sale or
other type of agreement and had it executed
according to law and good practice.
y undertaken sufficient searches and inquiries to
investigate title, any issues about land use and
responsibility for outgoings.
y drafted an appropriate instrument of transfer or
conveyance and had it executed and (if
necessary) stamped and registered, according to
law.
y obtained or given any consents to, or
notifications of, the transfer or conveyance
according to law.
2 Creating leases y made and obtained all searches and consents
required by law and good practice.
y drafted a lease in a form allowed by law,
reflecting the agreement between lessor and
lessee and protecting their respective interests.
y arranged for the lease to be executed and (if
necessary) stamped and registered, according to
law.
3 Creating and
releasing
securities
y made and obtained all searches and consents
required by law and good practice.
y drafted an effective instrument to create or
release the security, reflecting the agreement
between the grantor and grantee and protecting
their respective interests.
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y arranged for the instrument to be executed and
(if necessary) stamped and registered, as
required by law.
4 Advising on
land use
y identified any legislative scheme regulating the
relevant use.
y advised the client generally about processes to
be followed to obtain permission for, or to
object to the use, as the case requires.
5 Advising on
revenue
implications
y identified the revenue implications of any
transaction and advised the client accordingly.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to dealings with interests in real and
leasehold property, land use and securities. It must include:
y contracts for sale of land including special conditions;
y transferring title (or equivalent interest under the scheme of land title
that exists in the particular State or Territory);
y creating standard commercial leases;
y creating standard residential tenancies or leases;
y creating and releasing of mortgages;
y some aspects of land use.
The competency standard includes dealings under the main system of land
title operating in the jurisdiction in which the lawyer practises. For example,
in Queensland it would include dealings in respect of freehold title under the
Land Title Act 1994.
Aspects of land use might involve issues arising out of :
y town planning schemes;
y local government by-laws;
y environment and heritage legislation;
y revenue and tax legislation.
This competency standard is limited to:
y any one system of land title operating in a State or Territory;
y transactions which an entry level lawyer would be expected to
perform.
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Trust and Office Accounting
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should have sufficient
knowledge, skills and values to maintain trust and
general account records according to law and good
practice, to the extent usually permitted and expected
of an employed solicitor.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Receiving
money
y dealt with money received from or on behalf of
a client, as required by law and good practice.
y where the law and good practice requires
money to be deposited in a trust account or
general account, recorded the deposit as
required by law and good practice.
y issued any receipt required by law and good
practice.
2 Making outlays y made any outlay from the correct account,
according to law and good practice.
y recorded the outlay as required by law and
good practice.
3 Rendering costs y calculated the costs in accordance with law,
good practice and any agreement between the
lawyer and client.
y added to the bill all outlays made by the firm
for which the client is responsible.
y accounted to the client for any money received
from the client on account of costs and outlays,
as required by law and good practice.
y drafted the bill and delivered it in accordance
with law and good practice.
4 Maintaining
trust account
y maintained any trust account in accordance
with specific statutory requirements, including
any requirements relating to common fund
deposits and auditing.
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Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to trust and general accounting. It requires
a general knowledge of bookkeeping and knowledge of the solicitors' trust
account law and practice and auditing requirements in the lawyer's
jurisdiction.
Wills and Estates Practice
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer who practises in wills and
estates should be able to draft wills, administer
deceased estates and take action to solve problems
about wills and estates.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Drafting wills y advised the client of issues, options, and
potential problems that might arise in respect of
the client's testamentary intentions.
y obtained instructions reflecting the client's
informed and independent wishes, which can
be effectively implemented.
y drafted a will reflecting the client's instructions.
y identified any issues of testamentary capacity
and resolved them in accordance with law and
good practice.
y ensured that the client executed the will in
accordance with law.
y given any necessary follow up advice to the
client.
2 Administering
deceased estates
y obtained a grant of probate or letters of
administration where required.
y identified the debts and assets of the estate.
y gathered in the estate or transferred or
transmitted assets directly to beneficiaries, as
appropriate, having regard to the law, good
practice, and the circumstances.
y discharged the estate's debts, distributed
specific gifts and the residue and ensured that
the executors have been released of their
obligations in a timely fashion.
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3 Taking action to
resolve wills and
estates problems
y identified the nature of the problem properly,
having regard to the law of the jurisdiction.
y identified the client's options for dealing with
the problem, having regard to the law of the
particular jurisdiction and the client's
circumstances.
y explained the options to the client in a way the
client can easily understand.
y taken action to resolve the problem in
accordance with the client's instructions
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to wills and deceased estate practice.
It must include:
y drawing standard wills;
y obtaining an uncontested grant of letters of administration on an
intestacy or probate where a will exists;
y administering a standard deceased estate;
y helping solve at least one common type of will or estate problem.
Wills and estates problems include:
y testamentary capacity;
y construction;
y validity of the will;
y validity of gifts;
y assets outside the jurisdiction;
y revenue issues;
y family provision;
y mutual wills;
y trusts;
y informal wills;
y testamentary directions.
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Follow-up advice required may include:
y the effects of marriage on a will;
y the effects of divorce on a will;
y storage options;
y revocation;
y modification;
y availability of associated documents such as enduring powers of
attorney.
Work Management and Business Skills
Descriptor: An entry level lawyer should be able to manage
workload, work habits, and work practices in a way
that ensures that clients' matters are dealt with in a
timely and cost-effective manner.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Element Performance criteria
The lawyer has competently:
1 Managing
personal time
y used a diary or other system to record time
limits or deadlines and to assist in planning
work.
y identified conflicting priorities as they arise and
managed the conflict effectively.
y used available time effectively, to the benefit of
the lawyer's clients and employer.
2 Managing risk y conducted each matter in a way that minimises
any risk to the client, lawyer or firm arising
from missed deadlines, negligence or failure to
comply with the requirements of the law, a
court or other body.
y recognised the limits of the lawyer's expertise
and experience and referred the client or matter
to other lawyers, counsel or other professionals,
as the circumstances require.
3 Managing files y used a file management system to ensure that
work priorities are identified and managed;
clients' documents are stored in an orderly and
secure manner; and to alert the lawyer to any
need to follow up a matter or give it other
attention.
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y rendered timely bills, in accordance with law
and any agreement between the lawyer and
client, which set out the basis for calculating
the lawyer's fees.
y accurately recorded all communications and
attendances, with details of dates and times.
4 Keeping client
informed
y communicated with the client during the course
of the matter as frequently as circumstances
and good practice require.
y confirmed oral communications in writing
when requested by the client or required by
good practice.
y dealt with the client's requests for information
promptly.
y informed the client fully of all important
developments in the matter, in a way which the
client can easily understand.
5 Working
cooperatively
y worked with support staff, colleagues,
consultants and counsel in a professional and
cost-effective manner.
Explanatory Note
This competency standard applies to the exercise of good work habits in a
legal practice to ensure that:
y clients do not suffer loss or damage from a lawyer missing deadlines
or neglecting matters;
y clients are kept informed regularly and fully of the progress of their
matters;
y clients' matters are dealt with in a cost-effective manner.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 4
Rule 3.13(1)(b)
EMPLOYERS—AFFIDAVIT VERIFYING SUPERVISED
WORKPLACE TRAINING
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of a trainee
I, [name of person executing trainee's training plan] of [address], make oath
and say as follows:
1 [Name of trainee] of [address of trainee] (trainee)—
(a) has been undertaking; and
(b) proposes to continue to undertake—
supervised workplace training at [name of legal practice or employer's
business] under the attached training plan executed on [date of
training plan] from that date for a period of [state the period].
2 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the trainee has
completed the requirements for academic qualifications approved by
the Council of Legal Education for the purpose of the Legal
Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
3 At the time of executing the training plan, each person nominated as a
supervisor in the training plan was, and since that time has remained,
eligible to supervise a trainee under the Legal Profession (Admission)
Rules 2008.
4 At the time of executing the training plan, [name of legal practice or
employer's business] complied with, and since that time has complied
with, the restriction under the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules
2008 in respect of the number of trainees who may simultaneously
undertake supervised workplace training.
Sworn, &c.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 5
Rules 5.01(1)(a), 5.03(1)(a), 5.05(1)(f)
ALL APPLICANTS FOR ADMISSION—NOTICE OF
INTENTION TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
To the Board of Examiners
1 I [name in full, address and designation] give notice that I intend to
apply on [date] to be admitted to the legal profession.
2 I am—
*a local applicant applying under Division 1 of Part 4 of the Legal
Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
*a qualified overseas applicant applying under Division 2 of Part 4
of the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
*an overseas practitioner applying under Division 4 of Part 4 of
the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
3 For the purposes of my admission to the legal profession I will—
*swear the required oaths
*make the required affirmations.
4 My date of birth is [date].
5 My telephone number during business hours is [telephone number].
(*Strike out whichever does not apply)
[Date]
State clearly: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms
(Signature of Applicant)
__________________
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SCHEDULE 6
Rules 5.02(1)(a)(i), 5.03(2)(a)(i)
EMPLOYERS—AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLETION OF
SUPERVISED WORKPLACE TRAINING
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of [name of applicant], an applicant for admission
I, [name in full] of [address], make oath and say:
1 Under a training plan executed on [date of training plan], [name of
trainee] (applicant) has undertaken supervised workplace training
from that date to [date of completion] inclusive.
2 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the applicant
has acquired and demonstrated an appropriate understanding of and
competence in the following skills, values and practice areas referred
to in Schedule 3 of the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008:
Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Lawyer's Skills, Problem
Solving, Work Management and Business Skills, Trust and Office
Accounting, Civil Litigation Practice, Commercial and Corporate
Practice, Property Law Practice and [insert the names of the optional
practice areas in which the applicant has received training under the
applicant's training plan].
3 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the applicant did
not at any time during the supervised workplace training engage in
any work (paid or unpaid) in any trade, business, occupation or
employment other than as a trainee undertaking supervised workplace
training except [give particulars of any other employment].
4 The supervised workplace training of the applicant took place in
accordance with the training plan [if there were departures from the
training plan, add] except in the following ways—
[give particulars of any departure from the training plan including
any alteration to the eligible supervisors or place of training
nominated in the training plan, which occurred during the period
of supervised workplace training]
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If applicable, add:
5 With my consent, for the purpose of gaining additional experience, the
applicant was employed temporarily by [name of other Australian
legal practitioner] an Australian legal practitioner (the practitioner)
from [date of commencement of employment] to [date of termination
of employment]. The practitioner has informed me that the
practitioner continued throughout that period—
(a) to be on the roll of lawyers kept in [name of State/Territory];
and
(b) to be eligible to employ and supervise a trainee under the Legal
Profession (Admission) Rules 2008; and
(c) to engage in legal practice in Victoria.
During that period, the applicant was absent (or not absent): [if absent,
set out particulars required in other clauses of affidavit].
6 The applicant was absent from employment on account of illness on
the following occasions: [specify occasions].
7 During the period of supervised workplace training the employer's
office was open for business on every day except Saturdays, Sundays
and public holidays, and the following occasions: [specify occasions].
8 In addition to Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and the
occasions mentioned above, the applicant has been absent with prior
consent, on the following occasions: [specify occasions].
9 Except as set out, the applicant was not absent from the employer's
office and employment during the period of supervised workplace
training.
10 I consider the applicant to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to
the legal profession in Victoria.
Sworn, &c.
[Note: If some or all of the supervised workplace training occurred
elsewhere than in Victoria this form should be altered accordingly.]
__________________
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SCHEDULE 7
Rules 5.02(1)(a)(iii), 5.03(2)(a)(iii)
SUPERVISORS—AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE WITH
TRAINING PLAN
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of [name of applicant], an applicant for admission
I, [name in full] of [address], make oath and say:
1 Under a training plan executed on [date of training plan], I was
appointed to supervise [name of trainee] (applicant) while
undertaking supervised workplace experience.
2 I carried out the functions of a supervisor of the applicant, in
accordance with the training plan [if there were departures from the
training plan during the supervisor's period of supervision, add]
except in the following ways—
[give particulars of any departure from the training plan]
3 The applicant completed the period of supervised workplace training
under my supervision to my satisfaction [if there were any matters
where the supervisor was not satisfied, add] except in the following
ways—
[give particulars]
4 Throughout the period when the applicant undertook supervised
workplace training under my supervision, I continued to be eligible to
act as a supervisor under the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules
2008.
5 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the applicant
has acquired and demonstrated an appropriate understanding of and
competence in the following skills, values and practice areas referred
to in Schedule 3 of the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008:
Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Lawyer's Skills, Problem
Solving, Work Management and Business Skills, Trust and Office
Accounting, Civil Litigation Practice, Commercial and Corporate
Practice, Property Law Practice and [insert the names of the optional
practice areas in which the applicant has received training under the
applicant's training plan].
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6 I consider the applicant to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to
the legal profession in Victoria.
Sworn, &c.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 8
Rules 5.02(1)(c), 5.03(2)(c)
LOCAL APPLICANTS OR QUALIFIED OVERSEAS
APPLICANTS—AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF APPLICATION
FOR ADMISSION
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of [name of applicant], an applicant for admission
I, [name in full] of [address] in the State of Victoria make oath and say:
1 I am aged [number] years, having been born at [place of birth] on
[date of birth].
2 Produced to me at the time of swearing this affidavit and marked
("A", "B", &c.) are the documents required to prove my qualifications
and fitness to be admitted.
3 I have read the affidavit of [name of person executing affidavit in the
form of Schedule 6] sworn on [date] as to my period of supervised
workplace training.
4 I have read the affidavit[s] of [name of each person executing an
affidavit in the form of Schedule 7] sworn on [insert date(s)] [if more
than one, add] respectively.
5 I am the person named in the documents and affidavits referred to in
clauses 2, 3 and 4 and the statements in those documents and
affidavits so far as they relate to me are true and correct.
6 I have caused to be posted in the Supreme Court on [date] a notice of
my intention to apply for admission as required by the Legal
Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
7 I have fully complied with the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules
2008.
8 I have made full disclosure in writing to the Board of Examiners of
every matter which a reasonable applicant would consider that the
Board of Examiners might regard as not being favourable to me when
considering my eligibility for admission to the legal profession and
any suitability matter set out in section 1.2.6 of the Legal Profession
Act 2004, including whether or not I am a fit and proper person to be
admitted, this disclosure (if any) including, but not being confined to,
any formal charge of a criminal offence [if otherwise, state
particulars].
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9 I completed the final 2 years of my secondary schooling in a country
where English is the native or first language, while living in that
country. [If this statement is incorrect include other information on
the applicant's knowledge of English].
10 [Include any other information relevant to the consideration of the
application by the Board of Examiners].
Sworn, &c.
[Note: If an applicant has received a certificate that the applicant has
completed a course of practical legal training in accordance with the Legal
Profession (Admission) Rules 2008, clauses 3 and 4 will not be required and
the words "and affidavits" will not be required in clause 5.]
__________________
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SCHEDULE 9
Rules 5.02(1)(c)(vi), 5.03(2)(c)(viii), 5.05(1)(b)
AFFIDAVIT AS TO CHARACTER
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of [name of applicant], an applicant for admission
I, [name in full] of [address] make oath and say that:
1 My occupation is [occupation of deponent].
2 I have known [name of applicant] of [address of applicant]
(applicant) for [number] years.
3 The circumstances in which I have known the applicant throughout
that time are [details of the nature of acquaintance of deponent with
applicant].
4 I believe the applicant is of good reputation and character.
Sworn, &c.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 10
Rule 5.05(1)(a)
STATEMENT OF OVERSEAS PRACTITIONER APPLYING
FOR ADMISSION
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
To the Board of Examiners
1 My full name is [full name of practitioner].
2 My address is [address].
3 I intend to apply for admission to the legal profession on [date].
4 I am aged [number] years, having been born at [place of birth] on
[date of birth].
5 On [date] I was admitted to practise in [jurisdiction].
6 *I am still practising as [a legal practitioner or as the case may be]
[give particulars].
*I ceased to practise as [a legal practitioner or as the case may be] on
[date].
7 Apart from an application in respect of my admission to practise as
mentioned in clause 5, I have made the following other applications
for admission to practise with the following results: [State dates and
places of other applications, results and reasons for any refusals.
If no other applications have been made, omit this clause].
8 I disclose the following matters which a reasonable applicant would
consider that the Board of Examiners might regard as not being
favourable to me when considering whether I am eligible for
admission, or any suitability matter set out in section 1.2.6 of the
Legal Profession Act 2004, including whether I am a fit and proper
person to be admitted. [Set out any such matters. If there are no such
matters, omit this clause.]
(*Strike out whichever does not apply)
[Date]
[Signature of Applicant]
__________________
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SCHEDULE 11
Rule 5.04(3)(a)
MUTUAL RECOGNITION APPLICANTS—CERTIFICATE OF
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
In the Supreme Court
I, [name] Chief Executive of the Board of Examiners, certify—
(a) that the notice under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth)/Trans-
Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (Cth) was lodged with me on
[date] by [name of applicant]; and
(b) that [name of applicant] has complied with the provisions of
Division 3 of Part 4 of the Legal Profession(Admission) Rules 2008
and the provisions of—
*the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cth) (as adopted under
section 4 of the Mutual Recognition (Victoria) Act 1998);
*the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (Cth)
(as adopted under section 4 of the Trans-Tasman Mutual
Recognition (Victoria) Act 1998); and
(c) that the applicant appears to be entitled to be admitted to the legal
profession.
[Court Stamp]
[Signed]
[Date]
__________________
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SCHEDULE 12
Rule 5.05(2)(a)
OVERSEAS PRACTITIONER APPLICANTS—AFFIDAVIT AS
TO QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of
I, [name in full] of [address] in the State of Victoria make oath and say:
1 I was born at [place of birth] on [date of birth] and was on [date]
admitted in [jurisdiction] as a legal practitioner.
2 I have not done anything which could cause my name to be struck off
the roll of [name roll of legal practitioners in jurisdiction in which
legal practitioner admitted].
3 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief my name still
remains on the roll of [name roll of legal practitioners in jurisdiction
in which legal practitioner admitted].
4 Produced to me at the time of swearing this affidavit and marked
("A", "B", &c.) *is a true copy/are true copies of my original
admission certificate and (if applicable) my practising certificate
which *is/are now valid and in my possession (or as the case may be).
5 I am the person named in the *document/documents referred to in
clause 4.
6 I served on the Board of Examiners and posted in the Supreme Court
on [date] the notice of intention to apply for admission as required by
the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008 and have in all respects
complied with the Rules.
7 The application preceding my admission referred to in clause 1
*is/is not the only application that I have at any time made for
admission to practise in any place outside Victoria.
8 The details and results of applications made by me for admission to
practise outside Victoria (other than the application preceding my
admission (or enrolment) referred to in clause 1) are as follows:
[If clause 7 states that other applications have been made, state dates
and places of the other applications, results and reasons for any
refusals. If clause 7 states that no other applications have been made,
omit this clause.]
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9 I have made full disclosure in writing to the Board of Examiners of
every matter which is relevant to consideration of any suitability
matter set out in section 1.2.6 of the Legal Profession Act 2004,
including my fitness for admission to the legal profession, this
disclosure (if any) including but not being limited to any formal
charges of criminal offences [if otherwise, state particulars].
(*Strike out whichever does not apply)
Sworn, &c.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 13
Rule 5.05(2)(c)
OVERSEAS PRACTITIONER APPLICANTS—AFFIDAVIT OF
EMPLOYMENT AS A LAW CLERK
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of [name of applicant], an applicant for admission
I, [name in full] of [address], make oath and say as follows:
1 [Name in full of law clerk] (applicant) began employment (the
employment) as a law clerk undertaking supervised workplace
training at [full name and address of legal practice] on [date] and
continued in that employment until [date].
2 The applicant has informed me that the employment was undertaken
by the applicant under a direction from the Council of Legal
Education dated [date] made under the Legal Profession (Admission)
Rules 2008.
3 During the period of the employment the applicant was absent from
office only on the following occasions—
(a) [number] days sick leave [dates];
(b) [number] days recreation leave [dates];
(c) [number] days (other than Saturdays, Sundays and public
holidays on which the office was closed) [dates];
(d) [number] days study leave [dates].
4 To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the applicant did
not at any time during the employment engage in any work (paid or
unpaid) in any trade, business, occupation or employment other than
the employment referred to in clause 1 except [give particulars of any
other employment].
5 During the whole of the period of employment, the applicant was
properly instructed in the practice and profession of a legal
practitioner and supervised by a person eligible to be a supervisor for
the purposes of the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules 2008.
6 The applicant completed the period of employment to the satisfaction
of those responsible for supervising the applicant, and I consider the
applicant to be a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal
profession in Victoria.
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7 During the whole period of the employment I continued—
(a) to be on the roll of lawyers kept in [name of State/Territory];
and
(b) to hold an Australian practising certificate; and
(c) to engage in legal practice in Victoria; and
(d) to be eligible under the Legal Profession (Admission) Rules
2008 to supervise a trainee.
Sworn, &c.
__________________
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SCHEDULE 14
Rule 5.06(2)
ALL APPLICANTS (OTHER THAN MUTUAL RECOGNITION
APPLICANTS)—CERTIFICATE AND RECOMMENDATION
OF BOARD OF EXAMINERS
In the Supreme Court of Victoria
In the matter of
We certify that [name in full of applicant] of [address of applicant] (the
applicant) is eligible for admission to the legal profession in Victoria and we
believe the applicant to be a fit and proper person to be admitted.
And we so recommend to the Supreme Court.
Dated
Members of the Board of Examiners
__________________
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SCHEDULE 15
Rule 3.12(2)
FORM OF TRAINING PLAN
1 Name and address of employer
2 Name of trainee
3 Proposed period of supervised workplace training
Commencement date:
Proposed completion date:
If the trainee will be part-time at any stage of the proposed period,
explain the circumstances.
4 Qualified supervisors
Set out the name of each proposed supervisor, qualified under
Rule 3.05, who will be primarily responsible for supervising the work
of the trainee, and the proposed period during which each supervisor
will be primarily responsible.
5 Place of employment
If it is proposed that the trainee will undertake some of the supervised
workplace training either—
(a) at premises of the employer, other than those set out in Item 1;
or
(b) with another employer, at other premises—
set out the proposed details in full.
6 Employer's previous experience
Has the employer (and any other employer referred to in Item 5)
previously given supervised workplace training to a trainee under the
Rules? When?
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7 Explanation of supervised workplace training program
If either—
(a) any element of the PLT Competencies will be delivered by an
employer for the first time, rather than by an approved PLT
provider; or
(b) arrangements for delivering any element by the employer have
changed since those arrangements were last approved by the
Board of Examiners (including any change in persons
providing instruction)—
explain how the employer and trainee propose to ensure that the
trainee acquires and demonstrates appropriate understanding of and
competence in, each skill or practice area which will be delivered by
the employer. Set out any explanation in the Explanation space
provided after each skill or practice area below.
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8 Training plan prevails
The employer and trainee agree that, to the extent that any terms of an
employment contract otherwise entered into between them are
inconsistent with this training plan, the terms of that employment are
void and of no effect.
9 Undertakings by employer and supervisors
Each person signing this training plan either on behalf of the employer
or as a qualified supervisor respectively undertakes to use their best
endeavours to ensure that—
(a) the trainee is properly and thoroughly instructed in the practice
and profession of a legal practitioner; and
(b) the trainee gains practical experience in the legal business
transacted in the legal practice or business of the employer; and
(c) the trainee is given every opportunity to participate, under
appropriate supervision, in giving legal advice and in drafting
such legal documents as are given or drafted in the legal
practice or business of the employer;
(d) if the trainee has properly performed the obligations referred to
in Item 10, and is qualified to be permitted to practise, the
trainee is so admitted.
10 Undertaking by trainee
The trainee undertakes to carry out the responsibilities and tasks given
by or on behalf of the employer and any supervisor nominated in the
training plan, consistently with the training plan, diligently and in
good faith, to the best of the trainee's ability.
Training plan made on [insert date]
Executed by the following qualified
supervisors nominated in the training
plan:
Name Signature
Executed on behalf of the employer
[insert name] by its authorised
representative:
Name Signature
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Executed by the trainee [insert
name]:
Name Signature
__________________
Dated: 11 March 2008
THE HONOURABLE MARILYN WARREN, C.J.
SANDFORD D. CLARK
THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE
HOLLINGWORTH
ANNE REES
PETER LAURITSEN
THE HONOURABLE JUSTICE HARPER
KATE McMILLAN
JACOB I. FAJGENBAUM
GEORGE HAMPEL
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