The Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) today welcomed the Federal Government’s promise to create national uniform legal profession regulations. ALSA noted that the efforts over the last ten years to harmonise regulations have not been effective in creating a national market for graduates.

ALSA Vice President (Education) Christopher Holmes said today that the move is ‘a positive step forward for not only students, but the profession as a whole.’

‘National regulations will break down the archaic and frustrating barriers between States and Territories that often deter students from working away from their home State. While there is cross-accreditation for lawyers, the different admission and graduate recruitment processes in each state effectively mean that students can only seek graduate positions in a single state.’ Mr Holmes continued.

‘Applying to more than one state for a graduate position, or even moving to an interstate office of the same firm as a graduate is simply too hard to achieve under the current system.’

‘If the government lives up to its promise, these changes will further give greater flexibility to all students starting their legal careers. It will provide students with greater interstate graduate opportunities. ’

Mr Holmes concluded that ‘ALSA encourages the government to consult with students before finalising the bill. This will ensure that the legislation meets the needs of those seeking admission, particularly given the contracting market for graduates.’

Media contact 

Christopher Holmes
Vice President (Education)
Phone: +61 4 2576 4893