Katie Zacharia: Despite not being admitted to practice law, she marketed herself publicly on social media and television as a “lawyer” or “corporate lawyer,” and was officially described by the administration as an “attorney”.

Jurisdiction Differences: Australia vs. the United States

The premise regarding the Australian legal qualification system is materially different from the US model:

• Australia: Completing an accredited law degree (LLB or JD) does not automatically qualify an individual as a solicitor. Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) and be formally admitted to the Supreme Court of a state or territory to hold a Practising Certificate as a solicitor. Becoming a barrister requires subsequent steps: passing the relevant state Bar Exams, completing a Bar Practice Course, and undertaking readership/pupillage.

• United States: There is no division between solicitors and barristers; the legal profession is unified. An individual who graduates from an ABA-accredited law school holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, but cannot practice law in any capacity until they pass a state Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), clear character and fitness screening, and are formally admitted to a state bar.

Why Failing the Bar Exam Is Significant in the United States

• Licensure vs. Academic Credential: A JD is strictly an academic degree. Without passing the bar exam and being admitted to a state bar association, an individual is legally prohibited from giving legal advice, representing clients, or drafting binding legal documents under state unauthorized practice of law (UPL) statutes.

• The Controversy: Despite not being admitted to practice law, she marketed herself publicly on social media and television as a “lawyer” or “corporate lawyer,” and was officially described by the administration as an “attorney”.