In-person and paper admissions
In-person admission
In-person admissions are held monthly throughout the year in the Banco Court (Court 1) of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
There are two entry points:
(i) 210 William Street, Melbourne; and
(ii) 485 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
You should read the In-Person Admission Guide in full before selecting an in-person admission.
Upon completion and payment of your application, you will be automatically assigned to the earliest available ceremony date. There is limited availability at in-person ceremonies and numbers are subject to change at short notice. Spaces for ceremonies may fill up well in advance and you are not guaranteed allocation into a ceremony of your choosing.
In-person admission ceremonies are live streamed and can be found on the Supreme Court website.
Upcoming in-person admission dates are published on the admissions calendar.
Paper admission
Paper admissions are available for applicants who have been granted a compliance certificate and do not wish to attend an in-person ceremony.
You are required to file an affidavit and will be admitted in your absence via order of the Honourable Chief Justice.
You should read the Paper Admission Instructions for Form A Affidavit in full before selecting a paper admission.
Paper admission take place each month at the discretion of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
You will be notified via email when the order has been made and an admission order will be posted to the address listed on your application.
The closing dates for the paper admissions are published on the admissions calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to know for my in-person admission?
The admission ceremony will be held in the Banco Court (Court 1) of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
There are two entry points:
• 210 William Street, Melbourne
• 485 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
You will need to arrive at the Supreme Court of Victoria at least 60 minutes prior to your ceremony. This is to allow you to clear the security area and make your way to the Banco Court. You must be seated no later than 20 minutes prior to the admission ceremony.
Applicant’s clothing should be appropriate to the formality of a Supreme Court hearing. Therefore, professional attire is required i.e. jacket and tie. Practitioners moving admissions must be appropriately robed in gown, bar jacket and jabot. Attire for movers will not be provided by the Court. Wigs are not to be worn.
The admission ceremony generally does not exceed 30-45 minutes.
When will my in-person ceremony time be confirmed?
You will be notified of your admission ceremony time no earlier than 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled in-person admission.
The admission ceremonies times are 9.30am, 11.30am and 2.30pm but subject to change at the discretion of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Can I choose to be admitted in-person or on the papers?
There are two options for admission:
- in-person in a ceremony, or
- on the papers.
All applicants must select a preferred mode of admission as part of their application.
If you select the option to be admitted in-person, you will need to show up in person for the ceremony and you will be required to brief an Australian lawyer to move your admission. The Supreme Court of Victoria conducts admission ceremonies monthly throughout the year. Upon completion and payment of your application, you will be automatically assigned to the earliest available ceremony date and time. There is limited availability at in-person ceremonies and numbers are subject to change at short notice. Spaces for ceremonies may fill up well in advance and you are not guaranteed allocation into a ceremony of your choosing.
If you select the option to be admitted on the papers, you will be required to file an affidavit and will be admitted in your absence via order of the Honourable Chief Justice. Paper admissions do not require attendance. After a person has been admitted on the papers, VLAB will notify applicants via email and the Supreme Court Registry will then send out the hard copy admission certificate via postal mail.
Will my in-person admission ceremony be live streamed?
Yes, the in-person admission ceremonies are live streamed and can be found on the Supreme Court website (External link).
Will I need someone to move my admission?
You will be required to brief an Australian lawyer to move your admission and they should be in possession of a photocopy of your Compliance Certificate.
Admission may be moved by an Australian Lawyer whose name is on the Roll of the Supreme Court of any State or Territory of Australia. It is not necessary that a current practising certificate be held.
Current members of the judiciary (i.e., judges and magistrates) may not move an admission. It is your responsibility to find someone to move your admission.
Can I bring guests to my in-person admission ceremony?
The Court has instructed that there is a strict limit of two guests per applicant, in additional to your mover. Your guests will be required to produce a printed ticket or show an electronic version prior to entry into the Courtroom. A ticket is not required for your mover or children under 18 years of age.
Two guest tickets will be emailed to you three weeks prior to your admission ceremony.
Additional guest tickets will not be provided under any circumstance.
Where do I get a Practising Certificate?
VLAB is the admitting authority only. Once you have been admitted by VLAB, you will need to apply for a practising certificate. All queries relating to practising certificates in Victoria should be directed to the Victorian Legal Services Board. Further information can be found on their website (External link).
How will I receive my Admission Order if I am admitted on the papers?
Your Admission Order will be mailed to you by the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Please be advised that you do not need to provide your Admission Order to the Victorian Legal Services Board in order to apply for a practising certificate as they are provided a copy when you are admitted.
