Best digital tools for Australian barristers in 2025

How to become a barrister in Australia

Becoming a barrister in Australia is a rigorous but rewarding journey. It involves several steps to meet academic, professional, and practical requirements:

1. Complete a law degree: Obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited university.
2. Practical legal training (PLT): Undertake a PLT program to gain the skills and knowledge required for legal practice.
3. Admission to practice: Apply to the Supreme Court in your state or territory for admission as a lawyer.
4. Bar exam and Bar Practice Course: To specialise as a barrister, pass the Bar exam and complete the Bar Practice Course specific to your state or territory.
5. Pupillage/mentorship: Work under the guidance of a senior barrister for a period to gain hands-on experience and refine your advocacy skills.

Once admitted to the Bar, you can establish yourself as an independent advocate specialising in courtroom advocacy and legal advice.

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Key tasks that a barrister must complete

Australian barristers are responsible for a wide range of tasks that require precision, organisation, and professionalism. These include:

1. Case preparation:
   • Drafting and reviewing briefs.
   • Analysing evidence and legal documents.
   • Researching statutes, case law, and regulations.
   • Coordinating with solicitors and other legal professionals.
2. Courtroom advocacy:
   • Representing clients in court.
   • Delivering oral submissions and arguments.
   • Cross-examining witnesses and presenting evidence.
3. Time and expense tracking:
   • Recording billable hours for cases.
   • Tracking court filing fees and other case-related expenses.
4. Financial management:
   • Generating invoices for solicitors or direct clients.
   • Managing income and expenditure records.
   • Filing tax returns and complying with ATO requirements.
5. Client and solicitor communication:
   • Providing legal advice and updates on case progress.
   • Advising solicitors on case strategies.
6. Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
   • Completing mandatory CPD points to maintain your practising certificate.
   • Staying updated with changes in laws and regulations.

Managing these tasks effectively is crucial for maintaining a successful practice, and the right digital tools can make all the difference.

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The best digital tools for barristers in Australia

Here's a list of essential tools that can streamline your practice:

1. Smokeball

A legal practice management software tailored for Australian barristers and solicitors.

• Price: Starts at $99 per month.
• Link: Smokeball
• Benefits:
  • Centralises case files and client communication.
  • Offers automated time tracking and billing.
  • Provides tools to manage court deadlines effectively.

2. TimeCamp

A time-tracking tool perfect for recording billable hours.

• Price: Free for basic use; premium plans start at $12 per month.
• Link: TimeCamp
• Benefits:
  • Tracks time automatically while you work.
  • Generates detailed time and expense reports.
  • Integrates with invoicing software for seamless billing.

3. Thriday

An all-in-one financial admin tool that integrates banking, accounting, and tax, it is designed for sole traders, including barristers.

• Price: Free; premium plan is only $29.95 per month.
• Link: Thriday
• Benefits:
  • Automates bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax reporting.
  • Integrates banking directly to automate dozens of tasks.
  • Simplifies BAS and GST submissions.

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What are the benefits of using digital tools?

Using digital tools can revolutionise the way barristers manage their practices. Key benefits include:

• Efficiency: Automating routine tasks frees up case preparation and client advocacy time.
• Accuracy: Tools reduce the risk of human error in billing, invoicing, and financial reporting.
• Compliance: Stay on top of ATO regulations and quickly meet tax deadlines.
• Organisation: Consolidate all case-related and financial information in one place for quick access.
• Professionalism: Impress clients and solicitors with timely updates, well-prepared briefs, and seamless communication.

Why Thriday is the best financial admin tool for barristers

Thriday stands out as the ultimate solution for financial management. Its unique features make it the ideal choice for Australian barristers:

• Customised for Australian regulations: Thriday's integration with the ATO ensures compliance with local tax laws.
• Automation: Reduce time spent on invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation.
• Ease of use: The intuitive platform is simple to navigate, even for those without financial expertise.
• Support: Thriday's Australian-based expert accountants and customer support ensure help is readily available.

With Thriday, barristers can focus on their legal work while leaving financial admin in capable hands.

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How to integrate these tools into your practice

Adopting digital tools is straightforward with a few practical steps:

1. Assess your needs: Identify the most time-consuming aspects of your practice, such as financial admin or case management.
2. Start with one tool: Begin with a single tool, like Thriday or Smokeball, to address your immediate challenges.
3. Leverage integrations: Choose tools that connect seamlessly. For example, integrate Thriday for comprehensive financial management.
4. Train thoroughly: Take advantage of tutorials and customer support to learn the full capabilities of each tool.
5. Review and refine: Regularly evaluate your workflow to ensure the tools meet your evolving needs.

By embracing digital tools, Australian barristers can save time, reduce stress, and enhance the efficiency of their practices. Explore these options and transform your workflow in 2025.