Studying Law in Australia: A Comparative Analysis for Pakistani Immigrants
With aspirations to practice law in Australia, many Pakistani immigrants might be considering studying law in Australia. However, given the current economic context and the lawyer surplus in Australia, the question arises: is it better to stay in Pakistan or move to Australia for your legal education and future career?
Understanding the Current State of the Legal Market in Australia
Australia does not require additional lawyers at this time. This is especially true given that there are already over 60,000 solicitors in the country. Unlike other professions such as Mining Engineers, desalination plant engineers, renewable energy engineers, and IT experts, there is a relatively low demand for new lawyers in the job market.
Alternative Majors and Pathways
Given the oversupply of lawyers in Australia, students might want to consider studying in fields that are currently in high demand such as Mining, STEM, or IT majors. This not only offers a competitive advantage in the job market but can also lead to a clear pathway to obtaining a permanent residency visa through the skilled labour category.
Comparing Study Options in Pakistan versus Australia
For Pakistani immigrants who plan to return to Pakistan, it might be more practical to study law locally. The shortest route to become an advocate in Pakistan is to complete an LLB degree, which can be completed in just two years. Moreover, this law degree is recognized by all Bar Councils in Pakistan, fulfilling the requirements to practice law.
Personal Insights and Experiences
Professor Tania Sourdin, the Dean of the Newcastle Law School, emphasizes in her article, “The future of the legal job market and job progress for law graduates,” that there are job opportunities for law graduates. A significant 94.7% of Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice graduates find full-time employment four months after completing their degrees.
Reflecting on my own journey, after migrating to Australia in December 1990, I managed to secure a job as a senior government solicitor within two months of my arrival. Having completed an LLB degree from Nottingham Trent University and passed the Bar exams, I successfully transitioned into the legal profession despite the initial lack of prospects in London.
My experience in Malaysia showed that a legal qualification can be portable across jurisdictions, allowing me to resume my career without the need for requalification. Similarly, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has been an attractive jurisdiction for UK trained solicitors and barristers who don't need to sit for additional law exams in subjects such as Land law and Australian Constitutional law.
Today, as I reflect on my 29-year career, I am glad that I didn't have to re-qualify each time I moved. The stability and need for flexibility in my career path made it easier to adapt to changing circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, aspiring Pakistani law students in Australia face a challenging path given the surplus of legal professionals. While it is possible to find employment, the demand for lawyers in Australia is noticeably low. If your intention is to return to Pakistan after studying, it is advisable to pursue your legal studies locally. This will not only save you time and resources but also position you well for a successful career as an advocate in Pakistan.
However, if your plan includes settling permanently in Australia, consider focusing on field studies with high demand such as STEM, mining, or IT. These areas offer greater prospects for skilled migration and a chance to build a stable legal career within Australia.