VLAB

Updated on 03 Jan 2025

Description : 

When discussing skill assessment requirements for legal practitioners, particularly in the context of the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), it's important to understand the distinctions between general legal qualifications and those obtained overseas. Here's a breakdown:

Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB):

• VLAB is the authority in Victoria, Australia, responsible for assessing qualifications for admission to the legal profession.
• Their role is crucial for those with overseas legal qualifications seeking to practice in Victoria.

Key Assessment Requirements:

• Foreign Qualifications:
  • VLAB assesses the qualifications of individuals who have obtained their legal qualifications outside of Australia.
  • They apply the "Uniform Principles for Assessing Overseas Qualifications" to determine eligibility.
  • Applicants may be required to undertake additional academic studies or practical legal training to meet Australian standards.
  • VLAB has specific requirements regarding the documentation of academic and practical legal training qualifications.
• Qualifications Older Than Five Years:
  • If an applicant's academic or practical legal training qualifications are more than five years old, VLAB requires a specific qualification assessment.
  • Applicants must provide details and evidence of any further law-related study or experience.
• "Fit and Proper Person" Requirement:
  • All applicants must demonstrate that they are "fit and proper persons" to be admitted to the legal profession. This involves disclosing any matters that could affect their character.
• Documentation:
  • VLAB requires certified copies of academic transcripts, degree certificates, and practical legal training completion certificates.
  • Accurate and complete documentation is essential for a successful assessment.
    
    
• Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB):
  • The VLAB website is the primary source for detailed information on assessment requirements and application procedures.
  • Here are some very useful links from the VLAB website.
    • Qualification assessment - Victorian Legal Admissions Board: https://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/qualification-assessment
    • How to apply for a Foreign Lawyer Assessment | Victorian Legal Admissions Board: https://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/how-to-apply-for-admission/i-have-a-foreign-qualification

 English Requirements Table:

Name of Test	Speaking	listening	Reading	writing
IELTS	7.5	7.0	7.0	8.0
TOEFL iBT	24	24	24	27

Guidelines:

All applications for a direction about your academic qualifications and practical legal training must be made to the Board using the online client portal.  The Board will only accept a paper version in circumstances where you are unable to use the portal in the form of a statutory declaration.

Fees Fees | Victorian Legal Admissions Board

Online Applications:

FAQ

Contact Details:

Address: Ground Floor,
451 Little Bourke Street,
MELBOURNE, VIC 3000

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] (External link)

Foreign Enquiries:
For all enquiries relating to assessment of foreign degrees contact:

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] (External link)