New Zealand Practitioner

A person who is a New Zealand practitioner may seek registration in Victoria under mutual recognition legislation.

You should read the Guide for New Zealand Practitioners in full before you start your application. The guide will outline the requirements for admission and the documentation required.

Form A - Registration under Mutual Recognition Legislation

Form B - Roll of Supreme Court - applicants should email admissions@supcourt.vic.gov.au (External link) to arrange for the Form B to be witnessed.

For further information on how to apply, learn more.

 

New Zealand Graduate

If you have not been admitted to practice and have a law degree from a New Zealand academic institution, please make an application for a foreign graduate assessment, learn more.
 

Fit and Proper Person

It is necessary for a person to satisfy the Board that they are of good fame and character and a fit and proper person.  

An applicant for admission must disclose details of any matters which might be relevant to the Board's consideration of whether or not he or she is a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession.

An applicant must also disclose any matters which a reasonable applicant would consider that the Board might regard as not being favourable to them when considering whether or not the applicant is a fit and proper person to be admitted to the Australian legal profession.

To assist in determining what matters should be disclosed, you must read the New Zealand Practitioner Suitability Guide and Template for Admission.

New Zealand Practitioner Admission Calendar

 

Admission Date

Applications completed and fee payment received by VLAB 

Monday 24 February 2025 Wednesday 5 February 2025
Monday 28 April 2025 Wednesday 9 April 2025
Monday 30 June 2025Wednesday 11 June 2025
Monday 25 August 2025Wednesday 6 August 2025
Monday 6 October 2025Wednesday 17 September 2025
Monday 1 December 2025Wednesday 12 November 2025

 

Dates and times are subject to change.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I apply for a skills assessment?

You must first apply for a skills assessment, this is done via the online application portal. (External link)  Dependent upon your academic and work history, the Board will seek additional academic study and practical legal training be undertaken as part of any assessment.

 

Who can witness my Form B for my MRA admission?

You must arrange an appointment to appear before the Principal Registrar/Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Victoria or the High Court and Supreme Court of New Zealand and produce your Form B Affidavit. 

You must swear the oath or take the affirmation and sign the affidavit before the authorised Court representative and complete all details on the Form B affidavit. 

 

Do I need to appear in-person for my MRA admission?

MRA Admissions proceed without the necessity for applicants to appear in person in Court.

 

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For all enquiries relating to assessment of foreign degrees or foreign applications for admission: 

 Tel:         03 9604 2416
 Email:    overseas@justice.vic.gov.au (External link)