Specialist Accreditation

An Accredited Specialist is a lawyer recognised for expertise in a particular area of law. To achieve this status, practitioners must have substantial experience in their field, maintain ongoing professional development, and successfully complete a rigorous assessment process, including written and oral components.

The program focuses on practical experience and applied skills rather than formal coursework. Benefits include professional recognition, career advancement, enhanced skills, networking opportunities, and increased confidence in providing expert legal advice.

Accreditation is available through both federal and state programs, as outlined below.

Federal Specialist Accreditation

Federal Specialist Accreditation is available through the Law Institute of Victoria.

This federal accreditation program recognises lawyers practising in Family Law, Immigration Law, and Taxation Law, the areas mutually recognised by the Society.

Lawyers who achieve LIV accreditation may apply for Mutual Recognition with the Law Society of South Australia, enabling their federal accreditation to be formally recognised in SA. Please read the full policy on Mutual Recognition here.

State Specialist Accreditation Law Society of South Australia

The Law Society of South Australia offers a state-based Specialist Accreditation program, currently available only for Wills and Estates law. This program recognises lawyers who have developed high-level knowledge, practical skills, and professional standards specific to South Australian law.

Applications are now open. Before applying, candidates are required to review the Specialist Accreditation Scheme Rules, Assessment Guidelines, Assessment Protocol, and Handbook to ensure they understand eligibility requirements, assessment expectations, and program procedures.

Click here to learn more.

Interested in becoming an Accredited Specialist?

Contact the Education team via email [email protected] or on (08) 8229 0200.

Send us an email

Law Society of South Australia Accredited Specialists can be found here.