Just like other highly qualified career choices, such as those in medicine or science, aspiring lawyers in New Zealand have a lot of studying to do, plenty of professional qualifications to complete, and experience to gain.
Students need to do well in secondary school, earn a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree, complete practical training, and engage in supervised practice before they can work as solicitors or barristers.
In this guide, we'll go through every step of the process so you
What Qualifications Are Needed During Secondary School to Become a Lawyer in New Zealand?
To prepare for your career in law, you need to start in secondary school. Sure, doing well in primary school naturally leads to doing well in secondary school, but you know what we mean.
There are no specific subjects for aspiring lawyers in New Zealand, and it depends more on the entry requirements for the university you'd like to attend. That said, choosing subjects that give you opportunities to develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills is always a good idea.
For example, English, history, and social studies are all good options, as they help you develop the necessary skills for law studies.
Subject choice is one of many things you need to worry about. There are also the grades you get in these subjects. Students should aim for strong results in whatever subjects they study and achieve a solid academic record across all their courses.
After all, law courses are typically very competitive.
The Academic Stage of Becoming a Lawyer – LLB Degree
After secondary school, your first major step towards becoming a lawyer in New Zealand is to complete a law degree.
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is offered across countries and usually takes four years to complete. This is where aspiring lawyers learn about the legal system, criminal law, property law, constitutional law, and other aspects of New Zealand's legal system.
Towards the end of the degree, you'll have opportunities to specialise in specific aspects of law.
New Zealand's top universities offering LLB degrees include:
- University of Auckland: Known for its strong focus on practical learning and commercial and environmental law specialisations.
- Victoria University of Wellington: Provides unique opportunities for students to engage with New Zealand’s government and courts.
- University of Otago: Offers flexible study options and focuses on developing critical legal and analytical skills.
- University of Canterbury: Combines theoretical learning with practical experience, preparing students for various legal careers.
- Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Offers a hands-on learning experience with solid ties to legal practice in New Zealand.
Once you complete your LLB, you'll have effectively completed all the academic requirements for becoming a lawyer in New Zealand. However, that doesn't mean that you stop learning.
Practical Training – Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC)
Having finished your LLB, you must move on to the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC).
The PLSC programme is designed to equip LLB graduates with the practical skills they need to become lawyers, it's New Zealand's equivalent to the bar exam though it's more a vocational course than an exam.
This course takes thirteen to eighteen weeks, depending on whether you opt for full—or part-time studies.
This will cover legal skills like:
- Legal research and writing
- Client interviews and communication
- Drafting legal documents
- Courtroom advocacy and litigation
- Professional ethics and responsibility
New Zealand has two main places to complete the PLSC: The College of Law and the Institute of Professional Legal Studies (IPLS).
Both of these institutions offer a range of flexible learning options, such as online and in-person versions of the courses, so you can choose which one best suits you and your situation.
Supervised Practice in New Zealand
One of the last steps to becoming a lawyer in New Zealand is supervised practice. Once you've done your LLB and PLSC and gained admission to the High Court, all new lawyers must work under supervision for at least three years.
This is a great opportunity to gain the essential experience needed to practise law independently while under the guidance of experienced legal professionals.
During supervised practice, you'll work on real cases, manage client relationships, and develop the skills you'll need to practise law independently.
Becoming a Barrister in New Zealand
When you finish the PLSC, you can become a barrister. In New Zealand, barristers are legal professionals specialising in court representation and litigation, typically handling more complex legal cases. These cases are often referred to barristers by solicitors.
To become a barrister, you must complete the LLB and PLSC we mentioned before and then apply for admission to the High Court as a barrister and solicitor.
Once you have enough experience, you can apply for a barrister's practising certificate. This allows you to practice independently as a barrister sole. It's common for barristers to start as solicitors before transitioning to the role of barrister.
Becoming a Solicitor in New Zealand
In New Zealand, solicitors offer a range of different legal services, such as advising clients, drafting documents, and handling legal transactions.
Like becoming a barrister, becoming a solicitor is also subject to completing the LLB and the PLSC.
Solicitors tend to work in law firms or in-house at companies.
Solicitors also need to complete supervised practice, working under the mentorship of experienced solicitors. This gives aspiring solicitors the chance to develop skills while gaining experience.
You'll be eligible to practice independently as a solicitor at the end of the supervised practice period.
You'll also have the option to specialise by completing an LLM (Master of Laws), which could come with a better salary. This offers advanced legal training in areas like commercial law, environmental law, or international law.
How Long Does Becoming a Lawyer in New Zealand During Post-Secondary Studies Take?
How long it takes to become a lawyer in New Zealand depends on the type of legal practice you'll pursue.
This is because there are slightly different paths for different specialisations. Still, suppose you were looking to qualify as a solicitor or barrister. In that case, you can expect five or six years of study after secondary school.
- LLB Degree: The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) typically requires four years of full-time study. Law students study all the core legal subjects, such as criminal law, property law, and constitutional law. Later, they can specialise in areas like commercial or international law.
- Practical Training (PLSC): Once you complete your LLB, you must complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC). This typically takes between thirteen and eighteen weeks.
- Supervised Practice: Newly qualified lawyers must work under supervision for at least three years before they can practise law independently.
Which Skills Do I Need to Develop to Become a Successful Lawyer in New Zealand?
Completing an LLB, the PLSC, and your supervised practice is challenging, which is why only some become lawyers or complete these steps.
You'll need more than just a degree, qualifications, and experience. There are a number of skills that you should have or develop on your journey to becoming a lawyer.
These include:
- Communication Skills: Clear and persuasive communication is crucial, both in writing and when speaking with clients, judges, and other lawyers.
- Critical Thinking and Analysis: Lawyers must be able to evaluate legal information and make sound judgments quickly.
- Research Skills: Strong research skills are vital for finding relevant case law and precedents.
- Negotiation: The ability to negotiate favourable outcomes for clients is a core part of legal practice, particularly for solicitors.
- Ethical Responsibility: Adhering to professional ethics and maintaining high standards is fundamental in the legal profession.
Remember that these skills are recommended and essential, but you can always develop these skills.
The courses, qualifications, and required experience all exist to ensure that lawyers develop these skills, but knowing you have to work on them certainly won't hurt.
Learn More About Law with a Private Tutor
Whether it's the course itself, studying law, or developing the skills you need to become a lawyer in New Zealand, it's understandable that some may struggle. Luckily, help is available.
On the Superprof website, tutors specialising in law or study skills can be found. Law tutors can help you understand the legal concepts you must master to become a lawyer.
Study skills tutors can help you become a better and more effective student. This can help if you struggle with managing workloads at school or university or find studying difficult.
There are tutors all over New Zealand and worldwide; you can search for in-person or online tutors.
To find them, just put “law” or “study skills” into the search bar on the Superprof homepage.
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