Solicitors looking to work in Australia are set to face a uniform system of practice rights for the first time, under an agreement hammered out by the country's national, state and territory attorneys-general.

They backed an agreement last month to create a national legal profession in Australia, ironing out the regulatory differences of the various states and territories and allowing lawyers to practise nationwide under one practising certificate.

As part of the deal, multi-disciplinary partnerships and incorporated practices will be allowed across the nation.

The agreement also committed the governments to 'creating a nationally uniform system governing the entitlement of foreign lawyers to practise the law of their home country in Australia'.

The Law Council of Australia has lobbied hard on harmonising the profession for several years, and president-elect Bob Gotterson QC welcomed the move.

However, he warned: 'A great deal of work is still required to finalise the model laws for national practice.

The supporting regulations and rules are also important.

These are yet to be drafted by government and considered by the council.'

Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand's legal profession is also facing a shake-up, with a Bill before its parliament proposing reforms such as licensed conveyancers, solicitor property selling, incorporated practices and conditional fee agreements (see [2003] Gazette, 29 August, 6).