Keith Mack
A law degree in New Zealand opens up a diverse range of career paths. The legal sector in New Zealand allows aspiring lawyers to specialise in criminal, corporate, human rights, and international law. To become a lawyer, one must complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) or LLB (Honours) and then undertake the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC). This course provides training in essential legal skills, such as client communication, legal writing, and courtroom procedures. However, a law degree is not limited to legal careers. Law graduates can be found in almost any kind of job across every sector, including government departments, regulatory bodies, and the private sector.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law degree type | Bachelor of Laws (LLB), LLB (Hons), JD (Juris Doctor) |
| Law degree specialisations | Corporate, environmental, international, human rights, criminal, sustainability and resource management |
| Law degree electives | English, history, social studies |
| Law degree universities in New Zealand | Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Victoria Canterbury, Otago |
| Law career options | Barrister, solicitor, in-house lawyer, judge, judge's associate, company secretary, legal executive, trade marks attorney, patent attorney |
| Law career sectors | Law firms, courts, private and public sector organisations, government agencies and bodies, private companies, non-profit organisations, NGOs |
| Law career preparation | Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC), admission to the High Court of New Zealand, practising certificate from a district law society |
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What You'll Learn
How to qualify as a lawyer in NZ
To qualify as a lawyer in New Zealand, you need to complete a four-step process:
- Get a Law Degree: You'll need a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB Hons). This can be obtained from universities like Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Victoria Canterbury, or Otago. The LLB usually takes four years of full-time study.
- Complete a Practical Course: Undertake the Professional Legal Studies Course, commonly known as 'Profs'. This course is offered by the College of Law or the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS). It provides practical skills to help your transition into the workplace and allows you to be admitted to the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand.
- Obtain a Practising Certificate: Apply for a practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society. This certificate is required to legally call yourself a lawyer under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006.
- Get Admitted to the High Court: Attend a ceremony at your local High Court, wearing traditional court attire. During the ceremony, you will need someone who is already a lawyer to move your admission.
It's worth noting that if you have an overseas law qualification, you may need to apply to the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE) for an assessment of your qualifications and complete additional requirements. Additionally, you will need to obtain a certificate of character from the New Zealand Law Society, certifying that you are a "fit and proper person" for admission.
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Law degree options
A law degree is a versatile qualification that opens doors to various career paths. While some individuals pursue a law degree with the intention of becoming a lawyer, others may use their legal knowledge in different sectors. Here are some options to consider:
Legal Practice
To practise law in New Zealand, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is typically the first step. This can be obtained from universities such as Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Victoria Canterbury, or Otago. The LLB programme is intellectually demanding, covering legal principles, papers, courses, and specialisations. Graduates can then pursue the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC), also known as 'Profs', to gain practical skills in client communication, legal writing, and courtroom procedures. Completion of the PLSC allows admission to the High Court of New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor, enabling legal practice in the country.
Specialisations in Legal Practice
During their law degree, students can start specialising through elective courses. Specialisations can include corporate law, environmental law, international law, and human rights law. For instance, environmental lawyers work on cases related to resource management, pollution control, and conservation efforts, and they can find employment in government agencies, private companies, or non-profit organisations.
In-House Lawyers
In-house lawyers or counsel provide legal advice to the organisation they work for, requiring expertise in the employer's area of business. They can work in public or private sector organisations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Government Sector
The government sector offers various legal roles in departments, statutory authorities, and regulatory bodies. The Government Legal Network, for instance, provides annual graduate programmes with opportunities in legal, policy, research, and advisory positions. Community Law Centres (CLCs) are another option, providing free legal advice and casework to disadvantaged communities.
Company Secretary
A company secretary is often a position held by someone with legal qualifications. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of a company's board and its compliance with legal and governance obligations.
Judicial Roles
While becoming a judge or magistrate is a prestigious aspiration, other roles within the court system, such as a Judge's Associate, are also worth considering. A Judge's Associate assists the judge by preparing paperwork, researching cases, and scheduling hearings.
A law degree is a valuable asset that provides a strong foundation for various careers. Whether you choose to pursue legal practice or explore other avenues, a solid understanding of the law can be advantageous in numerous sectors.
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Legal specialisations
With a law degree in New Zealand, you can pursue various legal specialisations, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some of the common areas of specialisation:
Commercial Law:
This field involves advising businesses on their legal rights and obligations. Commercial lawyers work with companies of all sizes, from startups to large corporations, and often handle matters related to contracts, mergers and acquisitions, competition law, and intellectual property. They play a crucial role in ensuring that businesses comply with relevant laws and regulations and may also represent them in commercial disputes.
Criminal Law:
Criminal lawyers represent and defend clients who have been accused of committing a crime. This specialisation involves a thorough understanding of criminal law and procedure, evidence, and court processes. Criminal lawyers may work on a wide range of cases, from minor offences to serious crimes, and can be involved in trials, plea negotiations, and sentencing hearings.
Family Law:
Family lawyers deal with legal issues arising from family relationships, including marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. They often handle matters related to divorce, separation, custody and access arrangements for children, property division, and spousal maintenance. Family law is a highly specialised area, and practitioners need to stay updated with the latest legal developments and case law. Family lawyers may represent clients in court proceedings or help them resolve disputes through alternative methods such as mediation or collaborative law, which focuses on a less adversarial approach to separation and divorce.
Employment Law:
This specialisation focuses on the legal aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Employment lawyers advise both employers and employees on their rights and obligations under employment law, including issues related to hiring and firing, contracts, wages and benefits, discrimination and harassment, and health and safety. They may also represent clients in employment-related disputes or negotiations, working to resolve issues through mediation or litigation. Employment lawyers need to stay abreast of constantly evolving employment laws and regulations.
Environmental Law:
Environmental lawyers work on legal issues concerning the environment and natural resources. This field involves a combination of local, national, and international laws and policies. Environmental lawyers may advise governments, businesses, or advocacy groups on compliance with environmental regulations, helping them navigate complex areas such as resource management, pollution control, and conservation. They may also represent clients in environmental litigation, enforcing environmental laws and seeking redress for environmental harm. Additionally, environmental lawyers can work on policy development and advocacy, promoting sustainable practices and influencing environmental legislation and regulations.
These are just a few examples of the many legal specialisations available to those with a law degree in New Zealand. Each area offers its unique challenges, rewards, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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Legal career paths
A law degree in New Zealand can lead to a diverse range of legal careers. The first step towards becoming a lawyer is to obtain a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, which can be pursued at six universities across the country. This degree provides a foundation of legal knowledge and can be complemented by a conjoint or double degree in a related field. After graduating, aspiring lawyers must complete the Professional Legal Studies Course ('Profs') to gain practical skills and be admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor. With these qualifications, one can work as either a barrister or a solicitor. Barristers represent their clients in courts and tribunals, while solicitors provide general legal advice and assistance.
For those interested in specialisation, electives are available during the law degree in areas such as corporate, environmental, international, and human rights laws. Further specialisation can be achieved through master's degrees or practical legal experience, which can also increase earning potential. Environmental lawyers, for example, are in demand due to New Zealand's focus on sustainability and environmental protection. They work across government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organisations.
Outside of private practice, law graduates can explore legal roles in the public sector, including government departments, statutory authorities, and regulatory bodies. In-house lawyers are another option, providing legal advice to the organisations they work for. Additionally, community law centres offer the opportunity to provide free legal advice and support to disadvantaged communities. For those aspiring to judicial roles, starting as a Judge's Associate can provide valuable courtroom experience and insight.
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Where to find law jobs in NZ
Law graduates in New Zealand can find jobs in a variety of sectors, including law firms, courts, and legal roles in private and public sector organisations. Here are some ways and places to find law jobs in New Zealand:
University Programmes and Networks
University career services are a great place to start. For example, the Wellington School of Business and Government offers students and graduates access to a range of learning and networking events. Many universities also offer mentoring programmes, such as the Bridging the Gap programme at Victoria University of Wellington, which matches young lawyers and law students as mentors and mentees and arranges workplace visits. These programmes can provide valuable connections and information about the job market.
Professional Associations
Joining professional associations can be a great way to network and find job opportunities. Examples include the In-house Lawyers Association of New Zealand, the Young Lawyers Committee of the NZ Law Society Wellington, and Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (The Māori Law Society). These organisations often offer events, mentorship, and job vacancy information.
Government Sector
The Government Legal Network in New Zealand offers an annual graduate programme with opportunities in legal, policy, research, and advisory positions. Community Law Centres (CLCs) are another option for those interested in not-for-profit, community-based organisations that provide free legal advice and casework to disadvantaged communities.
Online Job Platforms
Online job platforms such as SEEK offer a wide range of legal job vacancies in New Zealand, with new jobs added daily. These platforms allow you to search for jobs based on your location and specific legal interests.
Law Firms
Law graduates can find jobs in various law firm settings, including large commercial firms, small to medium-sized firms, and boutique specialist firms. Summer clerk programmes at larger law firms can be a great way to gain experience and progress to law clerk roles. Additionally, exploring opportunities in small to medium-sized law firms across New Zealand can increase your chances of finding employment.
In-house Legal Counsel
Many organisations in both the public and private sectors have in-house legal teams. These teams provide legal advice and expertise specifically tailored to the organisation's needs. In-house lawyer positions can be found in corporations, public sector organisations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
With a range of options available, law graduates in New Zealand can utilise these resources and networks to find job opportunities that align with their interests and career goals.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of jobs you can get with a law degree in New Zealand. Some of the most common roles include:
- Barrister
- Solicitor
- In-house lawyer
- Judge's associate
- Company secretary
To practise law in New Zealand, you need to complete a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or LLB with Honours, followed by a practical professional legal studies course. You then need to be admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor and obtain a practising certificate from a district law society.
Law degrees in New Zealand offer a range of specialisations, including:
- Corporate law
- Environmental law
- International law
- Human rights law
A law degree provides a strong foundation for a variety of careers, both within and outside of the legal field. It develops critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which are valuable in many professions.
Here are a few steps to enhance your employability with a law degree in New Zealand:
- Gain practical experience through part-time work or volunteering during your studies.
- Explore opportunities in small to medium-sized law firms, as well as larger firms with summer clerk programmes.
- Consider specialisation through electives, further study, or practical legal experience to increase your earning potential.
- Utilise professional associations, such as the In-house Lawyers Association of New Zealand and the Young Lawyers Committee of the NZ Law Society, for networking and mentorship opportunities.
