TYPES OF LAW IN AUSTRALIA (AND HOW TO CHOOSE YOURS)
TYPES OF LAW IN AUSTRALIA (AND HOW TO CHOOSE YOURS)
There are many different types of law you can practise in Australia, including commercial law, criminal law, family law, property law, employment law, litigation, banking and finance, intellectual property, government and public law, and more.
Each practice area involves different types of work, clients and legal issues. Some lawyers work closely with individuals, while others advise businesses, government organisations or other clients.
So, how do you choose? Start by considering the work you enjoy, your interests and strengths, the clients and issues you want to work with, and the kind of legal career you want to build.
This guide explores the different types of law in Australia, what lawyers do in each practice area and how to find one that could suit you.
At a glance:
There is no single "best" type of law to practise. The right practice area depends on your interests, strengths and the kind of work you enjoy.
Some of the different types of law in Australia include:.
Commercial and corporate · Criminal · Family · Property · Employment · Commercial litigation · Banking and finance · Intellectual property · Government and public · Dispute resolution · Wills and estates · Environmental and planning
Not sure which one is right for you? Think about the work you enjoy, what matters to you, your preferred work environment and the clients or issues you'd like to work with. Practical experience and talking to lawyers can also help you narrow down your options.
COMMON TYPES OF LAW IN AUSTRALIA
Criminal Law
Criminal lawyers represent individuals or the state in criminal matters, from minor offences to serious crimes. Defence lawyers protect the rights of the accused, while prosecutors act on behalf of the community. It’s a high-pressure, high-impact area that suits lawyers who are resilient, ethical, and passionate about justice.
Family Law
Family lawyers help clients resolve legal issues in their personal lives, such as parenting and property arrangements, child support, and domestic violence. This area combines legal knowledge with empathy and communication skills, and is often chosen by lawyers who want to make a real difference in people’s day-to-day lives.
Commercial Law
Commercial lawyers support businesses by drafting contracts, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The work is varied and problem-solving focused, making it ideal for lawyers who enjoy understanding how businesses work and finding practical solutions.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers advise companies on major transactions like mergers, acquisitions, restructures, and share offerings. The work can be fast-paced and complex, with lots of collaboration and negotiation. This area is well suited to strategic thinkers who enjoy high-level commercial work.
Property Law
Property lawyers handle the sale, purchase, lease, and development of residential and commercial property. You might work on everything from individual conveyancing matters to large-scale developments. It’s a structured and process-driven area, great for detail-oriented lawyers.
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Litigation lawyers help clients resolve legal disputes through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings. You’ll manage matters from start to finish and may represent individuals, businesses or government. Strong communication and strategy skills are essential.
Employment & Industrial Relations Law
This area involves advising on employment contracts, unfair dismissal claims, enterprise bargaining, and workplace rights. It suits lawyers who enjoy advocacy, negotiation, and working with both people and policy.
Wills & Estates
Lawyers in this area draft wills, manage deceased estates, and resolve estate disputes. The work is often steady and client-focused, requiring clear communication, compassion, and attention to detail, especially when emotions run high.
Administrative & Public Law
This area deals with government decision-making and how it affects individuals or businesses. Lawyers advise on regulations, review decisions, and may represent clients in tribunals. It’s a great fit for lawyers interested in fairness, policy, and the role of law in public life.
Banking & Finance Law
Banking and finance lawyers advise clients on financial transactions such as loans, securities, and project finance. The work is high-value and technical, ideal for those with strong analytical skills and an interest in commercial law.
Planning & Environmental Law
Lawyers in this area advise on land use, development applications, environmental protection laws, and disputes involving local councils. It’s suited to lawyers interested in sustainability, urban planning, and regulation.
Migration Law
Migration lawyers help individuals and businesses navigate Australia’s complex visa and immigration system. You might assist clients with student visas, permanent residency, citizenship, or refugee claims. It’s meaningful, people-focused work that requires patience and cultural sensitivity.
Tax Law
Tax lawyers advise on tax obligations, business structures, cross-border transactions, and disputes with the ATO. It’s a highly technical field that suits lawyers who are analytical, precise, and interested in financial and commercial law.
Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Law
Lawyers in this field advocate for individuals who have experienced discrimination or whose rights have been infringed. You might work in legal aid, community law, or policy development. It’s a purpose-driven area, ideal for lawyers with strong values and a commitment to fairness.
Intellectual Property Law
IP lawyers help protect creative and commercial ideas, including inventions, trademarks, logos, and software. You might work with artists, start-ups, or global brands. It’s a niche but growing area that’s great for lawyers interested in creativity and innovation.
Technology, Privacy & Media Law
This area is fast-growing and involves advising on digital privacy, cybersecurity, media rights, and defamation. It’s dynamic and often deals with cutting-edge legal issues. Perfect for tech-savvy lawyers who like a challenge.
In-House Legal
In-house lawyers work within companies or organisations, managing their legal needs across a wide range of areas, from contracts to compliance to litigation. It’s a great option if you want to combine legal advice with commercial strategy and work closely with a single client.
Community & Legal Aid Law
Lawyers in this field support vulnerable clients or advocate for systemic change via policy. Purpose-driven and client-centred work that values fairness and access to justice.
Competition & Consumer Law
This area covers how businesses compete and how consumers are protected. You might work on issues like misleading conduct, market power, or merger approvals. It’s a good fit for lawyers interested in economics, markets, and regulatory frameworks.
International Law
International lawyers deal with legal matters that cross borders, including trade, diplomacy, human rights, and international disputes. While opportunities in this area can be limited, it’s a fascinating option for lawyers interested in global affairs, languages, and cross-cultural work.
QUICK GUIDE: WHICH AREA OF LAW IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
| IF YOU ENJOY… | CONSIDER… |
|---|---|
| Helping individuals | Family, Criminal, or Wills & Estate |
| Business and strategy | Corporate, Commercial, or In-House |
| Social justice and advocacy | Human Rights, Community Law |
| Numbers, finance, or structure | Tax, IP, Environmental Law |
| Creativity, innovation, or tech | IP, Tech, Privacy, Media |
HOW TO CHOOSE A PRACTICE AREA
START WITH WHAT INTERESTS YOU
One of the easiest ways to narrow things down is to think about what you actually enjoy.
Think about your favourite law subjects, and just as importantly, the ones you didn't enjoy. But don't only focus on the subject matter. Ask yourself what you liked about them.
Did you enjoy analysing complex problems? Building an argument? Working through structured rules? Thinking about business? Exploring issues that affect people and communities?
Those clues can point you towards different areas of law. If you enjoy working with people, you might explore family, criminal or employment law. If problem-solving and building arguments appeal to you, litigation could be worth considering. More interested in business? Corporate or commercial law might be a better fit.
Understanding the type of work you enjoy can be just as useful as knowing which subjects you liked.
BROWSE ACTUAL JOB ADS
You don't need to be ready to apply for a job to start browsing what's out there.
Search for roles in the practice areas you're considering and look beyond the job title. What would you actually be doing day to day? What skills are employers looking for? Do the responsibilities sound interesting to you?
It can also be useful to look at more senior roles. They can give you an idea of where a particular practice area could take you as your career develops.
You might find that the reality of a role is different from what you imagined, or discover a career path you hadn't considered before.
TRY IT OUT IN THE REAL WORLD
The best way to figure out what suits you? Give it a go.
Some ways to get exposure:
- Volunteer at a community legal centre
- Apply for internships, clerkships, or PLT placements
- Work as a paralegal in different firms or teams
- Talk to lawyers from a range of practice areas
Even if a placement isn’t what you hoped for, that’s valuable too. It’s all part of figuring out what feels right (and what doesn’t).
THINK ABOUT YOUR LIFESTYLE
Different practice areas come with different demands.
- Corporate law or commercial litigation might offer big salaries but expect long hours and high pressure.
- Criminal law can mean urgent matters and unpredictable schedules.
- Want more stability? Areas like property, advisory, or wills and estates might offer more routine hours, especially in smaller firms.
There’s no “best” option, it’s about what works for the life you want.
CONSIDER WHAT MATTERS TO YOU
Think about what you want from your work, as well as the topics and issues that naturally interest you.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want to help individuals, businesses or communities?
- Am I drawn to social justice, commercial impact or government work?
- Would I thrive in a large firm, a boutique practice or a not-for-profit?
- What topics or industries am I naturally interested in?
Your interests outside law can provide clues too. Fascinated by technology? You might explore privacy, cyber or intellectual property law. Interested in business or finance? Commercial, corporate or banking and finance law could appeal. Passionate about environmental issues? Planning and environmental law might be worth exploring.
You don't need to turn every personal interest into a career, but your interests, values and motivations can all help narrow down your options
ASK AROUND
Lawyers love to talk about what they do, and you’ll learn a lot by listening.
Talk to:
- PLT mentors and lecturers
- Lawyers at events and career panels
- Alumni from your uni
- Legal professionals on LinkedIn
Try asking:
- What made you choose this area?
- What’s a typical day like?
- What do you love (and not love) about the work?
- Would you pick the same path again?
YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE FOREVER
Your first job doesn’t lock you in.
Many lawyers try a few areas before they settle. Some switch practice areas mid-career. Others move into policy, in-house, consulting, or something else entirely.
So take the pressure off. Focus on learning, getting experience, and figuring out what feels right for you. The rest will come.
READY TO START YOUR LEGAL CAREER?
No matter which area of law you choose, you’ll need to complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) before you can be admitted as a lawyer in Australia. Our PLT gives you the practical skills, work experience, and support to step into practice with confidence.
