how to become a lawyer in new zealand

How do I become a lawyer in New Zealand as an abroad?

To become a lawyer in New Zealand, you are required to: complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) or LLB (Honours) degree approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education complete a Professional Legal Studies Course obtain a Certificate of Completion from the NZCLE, and be admitted to the roll ...

How do I become a barrister in New Zealand?

To qualify as a lawyer you need to do the practical course, commonly known as ‘profs’. You can do it through either the College of Law or Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS). Completion of this course allows you to be admitted to the roll of …

How do I become a solicitor in New Zealand?

Complete the Professional Legal Studies Course at either the Institute of Professional Legal Studies or College of Law. Overseas trained lawyers may be exempted from this, once their qualifications and experience have been assessed by the NZCLE. Obtain a certificate of completion from the NZCLE. Obtain a certificate of character from the NZLS.

How old do you have to be to study law in NZ?

Apr 01, 2022 · get a certificate of character from the Law Society. be admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand. hold a current practising certificate issued by the Law Society. College of Law New Zealand website - information on the professional legal studies course.

How many years does it take to become a lawyer in NZ?

four yearsTo become a lawyer you will first need your Law degree: a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Bachelor of Laws with Honours (LLB (Hons)). An LLB can be obtained from a university: Auckland, AUT, Waikato, Victoria Canterbury or Otago. The LLB on its own usually takes four years of full-time study.

Can a foreigner become a lawyer in New Zealand?

In order to obtain a full licence to practise New Zealand law in this jurisdiction, foreign lawyers must have his or her overseas qualifications assessed (see www.nzcle.org.nz), complete any requirements, obtain a certificate of character and certificate of completion, seek admission as a barrister and solicitor, and ...

How much money does a lawyer make NZ?

How much does a Lawyer make in New Zealand? The average lawyer salary in New Zealand is $91,212 per year or $46.78 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $68,587 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $121,687 per year.

Are lawyers in demand in New Zealand?

Demand for experienced solicitors has increased in commercial and insurance law due to high levels of construction, corporate investment, and a strong property market. Between 2011 and 2017 the number of solicitors grew by 11.8% to over 11,000. According to the Census, 11,865 solicitors worked in New Zealand in 2018.

How do lawyers practice in New Zealand?

Requirements to practice law in New ZealandComplete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE). ... Complete the Professional Legal Studies Course at either the Institute of Professional Legal Studies or College of Law. ... Obtain a certificate of completion from the NZCLE.More items...

Is there a bar exam in NZ?

New Zealand Council of Legal Education. The Council requires many overseas applicants to pass all or a number of Parts of an examination on the law of New Zealand. The Examination consists of a six Part written Examination following a comprehensive self-taught prescription. The exam is held twice a year.

What is the highest-paid job in NZ?

15 Best highest paying jobs in NZS NoJobsSalary Range1Information Technology ManagerNZ$107,000 - $150,000 per year2Building and Construction ManagerNZ$95,000 - $170,000 per year3Information Technology ArchitectNZ$112,000 - $155,000 per year4Marketing ManagerNZ$80,000 - $200,000 per year11 more rows•Mar 17, 2022

How much do top lawyers make NZ?

The starting salary of a Lawyer in New Zealand is around NZ$41,212 gross per year. The highest salary of a Lawyer in New Zealand can reach and exceed NZ$200,000 gross per year.

What type of lawyers gets paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ... Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ... Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ... Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ... Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.Dec 18, 2020

How many types of lawyers are there in NZ?

two typesThere are two types of lawyers in New Zealand: those who hold a practising certificate as barristers and solicitors (usually in law firms), and those who hold a practising certificate only as barristers (sometimes called barristers sole) and who practise at what is referred to as the "independent bar" (which is a way ...

What type of lawyers are there in NZ?

There are two types of lawyers in New Zealand - barristers and solicitors. Barristers do court work and solicitors do other legal work that does not require them to represent their clients in court. Most lawyers are qualified as both but usually choose to do either court work or legal work.Jul 29, 2020

How many law graduates a year NZ?

Law Talk, on 11 March 2016, reported that there are currently 1650 law graduates a year.Aug 25, 2016

How to become a lawyer in New Zealand?

To become a lawyer in New Zealand students must first complete an undergraduate degree at university in Law, known as an LLB. The majority of students choose to undertake this as their first degree, however, if you already have a degree then you can often skip the first year, known as Part I. Find an LLM in NEW ZEALAND.

What is the legal system in New Zealand?

New Zealand's legal system is based on the Common Law system and the process to become a lawyer is. similar to many other Common Law nations. The difference is that the level of recognition given to foreign-trained lawyers and undergraduate law degrees gained outside of New Zealand is higher than in other countries.

How long is the LLB course in New Zealand?

This course takes 13 weeks to complete on a full-time basis and it builds on the legal knowledge gained during the LLB and gives students the additional knowledge to practice law.

How to get a certificate of character in New Zealand?

To do this you must apply to your local Law Society with a form and disclose any criminal convictions. You will also need to include referee reports and your local Law Society will advertise your name in the local media. This means that anyone with an objection to your admission to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand will have time to place their objections.

How long does it take to become a barrister?

It takes around 16 weeks from application for a Certificate of Character from the Law Society to admission to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court. To become a barrister you must have significant experience practising as a solicitor already.

Can a foreign lawyer practice in New Zealand?

Some foreign-trained lawyers can practice in New Zealand under certain circumstances. For example, a foreign trained lawyer can appear in a New Zealand court if their expertise in another country's law is required or they can practice in that country's law in New Zealand. Otherwise, unless their Law degree is recognised by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education, foreign-trained lawyers have to complete parts of a New Zealand LLB course and then continue to membership of the Law Society of New Zealand. The portions of the LLB that need to be completed are decided on assessment by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education.

Sealing of order

If you wish to hold a practising certificate in the future, you should seek to have the order for admission sealed and retain a copy. If you require a copy to be returned to you then you must file in duplicate. Please use the form LA 5 for that purpose.

If you hold a current practising certificate in Australia

If you are qualified under s49 (4) (under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997), you must apply directly to the High Court, using the form LA 4.

If you have an overseas law qualification

If you have an overseas law qualification but are not entitled to practise in another jurisdiction, you must apply to the NZCLE for an assessment of your qualifications.

Applying for a practising certificate

Once you have been admitted you can apply to the Law Society for a practising certificate.

Refusal of certificate of character or completion

If you are refused a certificate of completion and/or a certificate of character, you may use the processes set out in Rule 6 of the Admission Rules.

How long does it take to become a lawyer in Australia?

Studying law in Australia or New Zealand. In Australia, you’ll spend a minimum of four years studying to become a lawyer. You’ll pursue one of two degrees: a 4-year Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) or a combined LLB (5+ years). In New Zealand, an LLB takes four years to complete, and a combined LLB takes five.

How long does it take to become a solicitor in the UK?

The LPC usually takes two years to complete, plus another two-year training contract. The BPTC takes about a year, plus another year of pupillage (apprenticeship).

Why do people choose to study law?

Many students choose law because they want to help people, groups, organizations, or companies solve challenging problems and manage their legal issues. Here are some other reasons students choose to study law. Lawyers are in demand, and their jobs will not likely disappear anytime soon.

What do high school students dream of?

Many high school students dream of careers in law. Some have strong feelings about social justice, others want to defend those who can’t protect themselves, and some just dream of working for a large law firm and making money. In any case, lawyers have the unique privilege of upholding the rule of law and championing the public good.

Why do lawyers make a difference?

Most students who pursue law have a strong sense of justice. They want to improve the system and the lives of those affected by the system. Lawyers can make significant changes to the legal system.

How long does it take to get a law degree?

Before law school, students must complete a Bachelor’s degree in any subject (law isn’t an undergraduate degree), which takes four years. Then, students complete their Juris Doctor (JD) degree over the next three years.

How long does it take to get an LLB in the UK?

You can get an LLB in the UK in three years. Studying in Australia/New Zealand takes at least four years to get a law degree. Finally, the US requires at least seven years of education to graduate with a law degree. Bottom line, if you want to obtain a law degree as quickly as possible, get your degree in the UK.

How much do solicitors make?

Pay for solicitors varies depending on their experience, what organisation they work for, and what region they work in. Graduate solicitors usually earn $42,000 to $45,000 a year. Solicitors with two to four years' experience usually earn $45,000 to $70,000. Solicitors with more than three years' experience usually earn $70,000 to $250,000.

What do solicitors do?

Solicitors may do some or all of the following: give legal advice to clients, including families, businesses and individuals. research and study details of the law and examine legal arguments. prepare legal documents such as wills and affidavits. prepare and advise on paperwork for property or business deals.

What is artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence software has been created that can find evidence for cases, prepare contracts, identify fraud, research, and make legal decisions. These tasks are usually a large part of what solicitors do. In the short term, technology may help solicitors with their work but in the long term it may replace the paperwork solicitors do. This could lead to job losses.

What is the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act?

If you hold a current practising certificate in an Australian jurisdiction, the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 allows you to use that occupational registration as the basis for registration for the equivalent New Zealand occupation.

What is Accident Compensation Corporation?

The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident cover for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz

Can international students get health care in New Zealand?

International students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs for that treatment.

Sealing of Order

• If you wish to hold a practising certificate in the future, you should seek to have the order for admission sealed and retain a copy. If you require a copy to be returned to you then you must file in duplicate. Please use the formLA 5for that purpose.

See more on lawsociety.org.nz

If You Hold A Current Practising Certificate in Australia

If You Have An Overseas Law Qualification

Refusal of Certificate of Character Or Completion