Interstate/Overseas Practice
Interstate practitioners who are not barristers (i.e. lawyers who have not read at an Australian Bar) will follow the same process as local residents (Victorian practitioners).
Interstate Barristers
Barristers seeking to practise in Victoria are advised to review the Legal Profession Act 2004 (Vic). The Legal Services Board requires barristers practising in Victoria to hold professional indemnity insurance. Further information from the Board is available h
ere, and exemption information is available
here.
Interstate practitioners who have been a barrister for no less than 12 months may be exempt from taking the readers’ course, as outlined in Section 4(2) of the
Application & Reading Regulations. They can make an application to join the Victorian Bar
here.
Applications should be submitted to Compliance Manager Alison Rock: telephone (03) 9225 7105 for further information.
Overseas Barristers
Overseas barristers must be recognised as Australian lawyers before they can come to the Bar, or have a reasonable expectation of becoming an Australian lawyer before they commence. They are advised to refer to the
Council of Legal Education/Board of Examiners website for information regarding their ability to practice in Australia.
Barristers who have been practising for no less than 12 months may be exempt from undertaking the readers’ course (to verify, refer to the
Application & Reading Regulations). They can make an application to join the Victorian Bar
here. Applications should be submitted to Compliance Manager Alison Rock.
If you believe you should be exempted from the readers’ course or you would like to discuss your individual circumstances, please telephone
(03) 9225 7105 and talk with Alison Rock or send an email to alison.rock@vicbar.com.au