"Everyone wants to say they hate lawyers, and yet I've never met a parent who didn't want their kid to be a lawyer." – Jessi Klein
Like elsewhere, lawyers are seen as highly educated and well-paid in New Zealand. It's unlikely that parents would be disappointed to raise a child who became a lawyer, especially if the child had a prestigious legal career and the salary that goes with it.
In New Zealand, the legal profession is diverse, encompassing roles from junior solicitors to senior barristers. Earnings are influenced by experience, location, and specialisation. Notably, lawyers in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch may not earn the same, especially when considering the cost of living.
So, how much do those working in law in New Zealand earn?
Salaries of Barristers in New Zealand
In New Zealand, barristers are specialised lawyers who represent clients in court, offer legal advice, and develop legal strategies. They usually handle more complex litigation, which is often reflected in their salaries.
As with other roles, experience plays a large part in salaries and barristers in New Zealand, like elsewhere in the world, will see their wages increase over time.
Barrister Training and Qualifications
To become a barrister in New Zealand, you need to go through mostly the same education and training as solicitors.
This includes:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): The foundational law degree typically takes four years of full-time study at a recognised university like the University of Auckland or Victoria University of Wellington.
- Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC): Practical legal training that prepares students for professional practice.
- Pupillage: The final stage of training involves pupillage, where junior barristers work under a senior barrister to gain hands-on experience.
After this, barristers can apply to law firms or set up legal practices.
Estimated Salaries of Barristers
With so many factors affecting how much a barrister gets paid, it's tricky to define an exact salary for a barrister in New Zealand. However, we can use some averages based on reported salaries, job postings, etc.
Barristers in entry-level roles, mainly those undergoing pupillage, may earn between $60,000 and $85,000 annually. Just remember that legal professionals in New Zealand don't take a bar exam. Instead, the PLSC, a vocational course, replaces the need for an exam.
Barristers can start earning between $90,000 and $150,000 in the middle of their careers.
Senior barristers can make up to $200,000 a year, depending on their reputation and the cases they handle.
Barristers in Wellington and Auckland, where the cost of living is higher, will usually see their salaries increase to reflect the difference.
However, these urban centres usually have better job opportunities, particularly in commercial law and high-stakes litigation, which affects salaries.
Salaries of Solicitors in New Zealand
Solicitors are essential for most legal firms in New Zealand. They provide legal advice, draft contracts, and represent clients in various legal matters.
Although their compensation is usually lower than that of barristers, they still command impressive salaries, especially once they reach senior roles or specialise.
Qualifications Needed to Become a Solicitor
Solicitors follow a similar path to barristers and lawyers in New Zealand:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised university.
- Completion of the PLSC.
- A period of supervised practice to refine their skills and meet legal requirements for independent practice
Estimated Salaries of Solicitors
Again, the average salary for a solicitor in New Zealand will depend on the location, level, and experience.
Junior solicitors earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually for the first few years of their careers. This is similar to an entry-level barrister's salary.
Solicitors with five to ten years of experience or mid-level solicitors will earn between $90,000 and $130,000, particularly in larger firms and corporate settings in Auckland and Wellington.
Annual earnings for senior-level solicitors or partners in law firms can exceed $180,000. Of course, this depends on the firm's success and the solicitor's client base.
Specialised Legal Careers: In-House Counsel
Working as a barrister or a solicitor isn't the only option for those with legal qualifications. In-house counsel is a good alternative to traditional law firms.
In-house lawyers work directly for corporations and will advise them on legal matters. Having in-house lawyers is typical for the banking, insurance, and technology sectors.
Salaries of In-House Counsel
The salary for in-house counsel is typically very competitive, and roles are filled by those with extensive legal experience in high-demand industries.
In-house lawyers can earn an average of between $100,000 and $130,000 each year, and senior and general counsel positions earn even more, between $150,000 and $200,000.
As always, Auckland and Wellington offer the best salaries, especially in places like Christchurch and elsewhere in New Zealand.
Regional Pay Differentials and Cost of Living
Speaking of the differences between different parts of New Zealand, how does this typically affect lawyers and their salaries?
We've seen that Auckland and Wellington offer the highest salaries, mainly due to the higher cost of living and the concentration of corporate legal jobs in these cities.
Christchurch and other South Island cities usually offer lower average salaries due to lower living costs.
For example, a junior lawyer in Auckland could earn between $70,000 and $85,000, while senior lawyers earn over $150,000. In Wellington, the salaries are similar, and government legal positions also offer lucrative opportunities.
In Christchurch, however, junior lawyers earn between $60,000 and $80,000. There are fewer corporate legal jobs here, but there are opportunities in family law and real estate law.
Is a Career in Law Worth the Time and Money?
Careers in law in New Zealand offer significant earning potential and career satisfaction.
Whether you become a barrister, solicitor, or in-house counsel, the legal profession offers compensation starting at around $65,000, with top salaries exceeding $200,000.
Of course, these figures depend on location, experience, seniority, and specialisation. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed career decisions and maximizing your earning potential in the legal profession.
It's a good idea to first look for opportunities in Auckland and Wellington, especially given the higher salaries and the more significant number of positions and job prospects.
That said, Christchurch and other places on the South Island are also viable options for a rewarding legal career that offers lower living costs combined with a better work-life balance.
Skills to Improve Lawyer Salaries in New Zealand
Lawyers in New Zealand will earn well, especially in the cities mentioned above. Still, you can also boost your earning potential by focusing on specific aspects of your career development.
These are just some of the skills you should be focusing on.
Specialisation in High-Demand Areas
Every legal professional should look to specialise. There are opportunities to specialise towards the end of your law degree. Still, there are also professional opportunities to gain specialised experience and skills.
Lawyers focusing on corporate, intellectual property, tax, or environmental law typically command higher salaries than their non-specialised counterparts.
International business and technology law are also areas that will make you more employable at larger firms and corporations. Roles here command higher salaries, too.
For example, corporate lawyers in New Zealand can earn over $120,000 a year, with senior positions commanding $150,000.
We've already mentioned in-house counsel, but the compensation is usually higher than average for high-demand industries like finance and tech.
Advanced Communication and Negotiation Skills
For every legal career, communication is essential. In litigation and negotiation roles, it's one of your most important skills.
Lawyers with top communication skills are likelier to win cases, impress clients, earn promotions within firms, and, ultimately, earn more money.
Client retention comes with better communication, which will directly affect your pay.
Strong Analytical and Research Abilities
Legal research is an important part of providing any legal service. Lawyers must interpret laws, analyse legal precedents, and apply them to cases.
Mastering analytical and research skills while keeping up with legislation and case law can make you an important asset to any firm.
Many firms in New Zealand are looking for attorneys who constantly demonstrate strong research skills, particularly during their education and early career.
Leadership and Business Development Skills
If you want a leadership or senior role, you must develop leadership and business development skills.
Senior solicitors and partners must build strong client relationships and generate revenue for firms.
Partners in New Zealand can earn around $180,000 a year.
Continuing Education and Certifications
Even though you have a law degree, you're never finished learning about law. The very best professionals (and those who command the highest salaries) never stop learning.
The LLM (Master of Laws) degree allows for specialisation in international or commercial law, making you a more valuable asset to many firms.
Certifications from global legal bodies in areas like mediation or arbitration are also available, which can make you more competitive and worthy of a higher salary.
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