Bar Association of Queensland

All barristers whose principal place of practice is Queensland must hold a Queensland barrister's practising certificate to appear in court in Queensland. However, before you can apply you must first be a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland or admitted to the legal profession of another jurisdiction under a corresponding law.

All legal practitioners in Queensland are bound, by the Legal Profession Act 2007 and the Legal Profession Regulation 2007.

Holders of a barrister's practising certificate are also bound by the 2007 Barristers Rule.

What are the conditions for obtaining a Practising Certificate?

The current conditions for a Legal Practitioner of the Supreme Court of Queensland to hold or obtain a practising certificate are:

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)

Professional indemnity insurance (PII) is a statutory requirement for all barristers in Queensland. The Bar Association approves the level of insurance, currently not less than $1.5M and type of policy required for barristers in Queensland. A barrister cannot be issued with a practising certificate unless he or she holds the statutory compulsory PII and provide the Association with a certificate of currency in relation to the PII they hold. Download a list of approved Professional Indemnity Insurance 2010.

Pupillage is one of the important requirements of Professional Development at the Bar. The Pupillage programme is designed to provide those who have commenced practice at the Bar with practical training, guidance and mentoring under the supervision of two experienced barristers. A pupil is required to have two Masters: a Senior Master, being a Senior Counsel, and a Junior Master, being Junior Counsel of not less than five years' standing in actual practice. Pupillage is undertaken for twelve (12) months but does not effect a pupils rights of audience. If a barrister is unable to nominate any necessary master, then the Pupillage Committee of the Bar Association will assist in finding an appropriate Master or Masters.

Bar Practice Course

The successful undertaking of the Bar Practice Course is a requirement for making application for a practising certificate. The Bar Practice Course is a joint venture between the Bar Association of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology. The Course, conducted at the QUT's Gardens Point Campus, is a six week, full-time programme and is offered twice a year. For further information about the Course and enrolment details contact the Warden, Bar Practice Centre on (07) 3138 2216 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Continuing Professional Development

From 1 July 2004, Queensland barristers must accumulate 10 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points before their practising certificate is due for renewal on 1 July each year. If a barrister has not accumulated the required number of points they cannot be issued with a practising certificate. Full details of the CPD programme including the CPD Rules can be found here .