They are solicitors but prefer the American term "lawyer" why? because it makes them look more important its a "wanker" term used by "wankers" instead of the Australian term Solicitor
This is not true.
Solicitor in Australia is being phased out, because it's confusing.
There are so many names/titles - solicitor/lawyer/counsel/advocate. Lawyer covers barrister.
But your totally incorrect about the extra year or honours.
A law degree in most states takes 4 years, the total subjects doesn't vary much or at all. Some states you can squash it into 3. Bond doesn't have holidays, they operate 365days a year so can squash some more.
Some state require a year of Uni in a different degree for entry to law school.
Law degrees don't = becoming a lawyer.
To become a lawyer you must comply with all of the compulsory subjects, but you can do a law degree never intending to become a lawyer and avoid those compulsory subjects but you can't practice. Compulsory stuff - crime/contracts etc.
This varies between states/Unis, some aim their degrees toward business - Bond does, so you do lots of corporate crap.
To become a lawyer - Uni, usually 4 years; complying with all compulsory units, including mooting (pretend court); then you do practical training - legal practice courses, set up like offices; and or articles - a year in a law firm.
Then - you have to apply to be admitted to the court, prove your a good person, have passed everything, your good to go.
But your junior and have to be supervised for a couple of years.
And the stuff she is doing has done - is very junior, dull, bits of contracts. She would be shovelling papers/researching/working until midnight.
And why is it all so confusing?
Until about 15- 20 years ago, every state was completely different and it was incredibly complicated to change states.
They unified so that you can work anywhere easily, but it's still a mixed up messy thing with big differences in standards.
Barristers, must be a lawyer first, they then train for 3months with a mentor barrister, and pass an exam.
But - you do not have to be a barrister to go to court; in the lower courts everyone does that kind of stuff without being a barrister, ie solictors/lawyers do magistrates court/tribunals/some supreme court etc.