Legal Community

As a new or established member of the legal community it is essential to know where to find the right information and support. This useful list of Australian and New Zealand organisations is a good starting point in navigating your way throughout your legal career.

National

Law Council of Australia
The Law Council of Australia speaks on issues of national and international importance, federal law and the operation of federal courts and tribunals. Through its specialist sections, working groups, standing and ad-hoc committees, the Law Council provides interest groups and professional development opportunities for lawyers across a variety of specialised areas of law.

Federal Court of Australia

Australian Corporate Lawyers Association (ACLA)
As the professional Association for in-house Lawyers, ACLA represents nearly 14,000 lawyers working for corporations and government in Australia.

Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII) 
AustLII provides free online access to Commonwealth and State legal materials such as legislation, treaties and decisions of courts and tribunals as well as a substantial collection of law journals.

Weblaw
Weblaw is an online resource for up-to-date Australian legal information.

Comlaw 
ComLaw is part of the Australian Law Online initiative to bring low- or no-cost access to the law for the community and is maintained by the Australian Attorney-General's Department. 

NSW

Law Society of NSW 
The Law Society of NSW represent the interests of over 21,000 members.

The Law Society of NSW Specialist Accreditation 
Specialist Accreditation is offered to practitioners to strengthen their expertise in a particular area of practice. Find out the Specialist Accreditation areas to be offered in 2011.

Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW) 
The Legal Profession Admission Board is a statutory corporation which administers various functions associated with the admission of lawyers in New South Wales.

NSW Bar Association
A voluntary association of practising barristers in NSW.

Lawlink (NSW)
Lawlink NSW is hosted by the Department of Justice and Attorney General. It is a government umbrella site to more than 40 law and justice agencies in New South Wales.

Queensland

Queensland Law Society (QLS)
The QLS is the peak professional body for the state's solicitors representing more than 8500 members.

The Bar Association of Queensland
The Bar Association of Queensland is the professional body representing the interests of the members of the Bar in practice in Queensland.

Click here for The College of Law recommendations for legal employment options in Queensland.

Victoria

Law Institute of Victoria (LIV)
LIV is the professional membership association for Victorian lawyers. Membership provides access to information and support and is an opportunity to connect with other members of the legal profession.

The Victorian Bar
The Victorian Bar is an association of independent barristers based in Victoria providing legal representation and assistance to the community.

Western Australia

Law Society of WA
The Law Society of Western Australia has more than 3,000 members and is the peak association for the legal profession in WA. Membership provides access to support and resources throughout your career.

The Western Australian Bar Association 
This is a voluntary professional association of independent barristers.

New Zealand

New Zealand Law Society
The Society regulates all lawyers in New Zealand as well as the practice of the profession of law and assisting and promoting the reform of the law. Members have access to the Society’s representative services and the opportunity to have a say in the way the profession is regulated.