Alum FAQs: Unpacking Bachelor of Laws career opportunities  

Lawyers play a major role in society.  

From the enthralling ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ to the high-stakes ‘Suits,’ many of our favourite TV shows spotlight the life of a lawyer — and for good reason. Few careers offer the same level of drama, excitement, and flair. 

We sat down with Nicole to unpack all things Bachelor of Laws. 

Meet our Bachelor of Laws graduate, Nicole

Nicole grew up in Warrnambool, a town in regional Victoria, where she balanced work and study. She began her Bachelor of Laws and Commerce at Deakin University’s Warrnambool campus in 2008. 

‘I studied at the Warrnambool campus until 2010 when I moved to the Geelong campus as Law subjects were only offered for two years at the Warrnambool campus.’ Nicole recalls. ‘I stayed at the Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus for one year before moving to off campus studies full time.’ 

The flexibility to study regionally was essential for Nicole.

After she completed her studies, Nicole landed a coveted traineeship at Stringer Clark in her hometown and was admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as an Australian Legal Practitioner in March 2014. 

Contrary to the current trend of job hopping, Nicole worked as a lawyer at Stringer Clark for an impressive 8 years before taking on a new challenge joining Arnold Thomas & Becker Lawyers as a Practice Manager and Senior Associate in January 2021.  

A career highlight for Nicole has been the opportunity to give back to her local community through her Bachelor of Laws.  

‘I was employed by Arnold Thomas & Becker to grow the firm’s presence in the region. I successfully opened an office in Warrnambool in early 2021, an office which continues to grow, employing local people and providing exceptional services to injured people in Regional Victoria.’  

What is a Bachelor of Laws degree?  

So, what is a Bachelor of Laws degree?  

A Bachelor of Laws is an undergraduate program that delves into the study of the legal system. The degree is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, systems, and procedures.  

Just like Elle Woods, you’ll dive deep into case studies, legal ethics, and even courtroom strategies. By the end of a Bachelor of Laws degree, you’ll be well-versed in the various aspects of law, from criminal justice to corporate law, equipping you with the skills needed to pursue career opportunities in the legal field. 

To quote Legally Blond, ‘You too could feel comfortable using legal jargon in everyday life.’

How many years is a Bachelor of Laws?

At Deakin University, the Bachelor of Laws is a 4-year full-time program (or you can do it part-time if that suits you better).  

What does a Bachelor of Laws degree entail? 

A Bachelor of Laws combines sound legal training with real-world experience. 

As a Bachelor of Laws student, you can expect to develop key skills in communication, problem solving and analytical thinking, and gain career experience through work-integrated learning opportunities.  

Core Subjects

A Bachelor of Laws curriculum typically includes core subjects such as: 

• constitutional law 

• criminal law 

• contract law 

• tort law 

• property law, and  

• administrative law. 

These foundational courses will equip you with essential legal knowledge. 

Specialisations

You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in career areas such as: 

• commercial law 

• public Law  

• international law 

• environmental law 

• human rights law or  

• intellectual property law. 

These Bachelor of Laws specialisations allow you to tailor your education to your interests and career goals. 

Nicole’s Bachelor of Laws and Commerce studies involved subjects from both Commerce and Law faculties. She was lucky enough to complete an internship at Sungold Milk during her degree to satisfy course requirements for the commerce component. She also performed placements with local law firms in Warrnambool and a six-month placement with Inside Access, a Mental Health Legal Centre.   

What can you do with a Bachelor of Laws? What kind of career opportunities does a Bachelor of Laws give you?

As a Bachelor of Laws alum, you’ll be equipped to explore a range of career options, including roles as solicitors, barristers, corporate lawyers, legal advisors, and public defenders. If you’re looking for something a bit left of field, you might consider roles in corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property, or human rights law. 

Nicole is thrilled to share, ‘I’ve recently been promoted to Principal.’ 

Reflecting on how her degree paved the way for her amazing career, Nicole acknowledges, ‘I gained many skills in reading and interpreting the law along with the skills to apply it. My Bachelor of Laws degree from Deakin set me up to become a successful lawyer.’ 

Does a Bachelor of Laws make you a lawyer? 

Earning a Bachelor of Laws is a crucial first step toward becoming a lawyer, but it doesn’t automatically qualify you as one. As Nicole’s experience shows us, you’ll need to undertake additional training and meet specific requirements.

It’s worth noting that the requirements will vary from country to country. 

In Australia, for example, you’ll need to complete further training such as Practical Legal Training (PLT) or obtain employment as a trainee lawyer to satisfy the requirements for admission as an Australian legal practitioner. 

In the United States, after completing your Bachelor of Laws and any additional training, you’ll need to apply for admission to the bar, which typically involves passing a bar examination or assessment. 

So, is a Bachelor of Laws worth it?   

‘Absolutely. Without my Bachelor of Laws, I would not have achieved the milestones I’ve reached in my career.’ Nicole reflects. ‘The journey may require additional training and perseverance, but the rewards and opportunities that follow are well worth the effort.’  

What advice would you give to students considering a Bachelor of Laws?

‘Dive in with enthusiasm!’ Nicole tells us.

‘It’s a challenging yet immensely rewarding course that can pave the way to fulfilling career opportunities in law.’  

Whether you’re inspired by high-profile examples like Kim Kardashian passing the Bar Exam or driven by your own passion for justice, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws is a step toward a dynamic and impactful career. 

Changed your mind about the course you want to study? Learn more about changing preferences for school leavers here.