New Zealand's universities offer diverse programs and a unique approach to legal studies, including a good combination of theoretical and practical learning.
Law students in New Zealand can study civil and criminal justice with a curriculum shaped by the history of British common law. Law programs range from undergraduate LLBs to specialised LLMs, making New Zealand a destination for those who want a high-quality legal education with opportunities for specialisation and work experience.
So, which of New Zealand's universities and law schools offer the best options for those aspiring to work in law?
Ranking New Zealand's Law Schools
New Zealand's law schools regularly rank highly in global and regional rankings. We've examined a few sources and rankings to see how New Zealand's universities compare.
The University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and Victoria University of Wellington typically rank highly.
Here, we've broken down how different sources ranked each of New Zealand's universities for Law.
As you can see, the University of Auckland is the top-ranking law school in the country and also ranks very well internationally. Victoria University of Wellington and the University of Otago also rank well, particularly regionally.
The Cost of Law Schools
In an ideal world, every potential law student could look at university rankings and choose the best university for the course they'd like to study.
However, there's always money to think about. While the tuition fees for universities in New Zealand are all somewhat similar, it's worthwhile considering the cost of living in the places where these universities are located.
Here, we've put the tuition fees for these universities plus the associated living costs for each city so you can see how they compare.
The University of Canterbury offers a relatively affordable total cost since Christchurch has a lower cost of living than places like Dunedin (where the University of Otago is located) and the University of Auckland.
Specialisations and Subject Focus
One reason New Zealand is an excellent choice for studying law is the opportunities for specialisation within law.
Students can tailor their degrees toward human rights, corporate law, or environmental law.
Here, we've looked at some of the universities in New Zealand, how they rank, and the areas where you could specialise in law.
It's worthwhile looking carefully at the courses available at each university, especially since the highest-ranked universities may not be the best for the legal specialisation that you're interested in.
Popularity and Global Reach
When comparing universities for law in New Zealand, comparing them to one another isn't always particularly useful since there are only 8 of them.
For example, the difference between 1st and 2nd is just one place when looking solely at New Zealand. Still, when you look at how they rank internationally, you'll see the difference is greater than you'd have first thought. That said, you should remember that universities in New Zealand typically rank well globally.
New Zealand's Law Schools at a Glance
To start your research, here's each of New Zealand's law schools compared.
University of Auckland
- Top-ranked law school in New Zealand with a solid global reputation.
- Offers specialisations in human rights, corporate law, and criminal law.
- Home to research centres like the New Zealand Centre for Human Rights Law.
- Located in Auckland, providing extensive networking opportunities with top legal firms.
Victoria University of Wellington
- Known for its proximity to New Zealand’s legal and political institutions.
- Specialises in public law, legal theory, and social justice.
- Offers hands-on experience with government agencies and policy-making.
- Focuses on New Zealand law and Māori legal perspectives.
University of Otago
- New Zealand’s oldest law school, located in Dunedin.
- Strong in criminal justice, environmental, and commercial law.
- Emphasises critical thinking, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
- Member of the Matariki Network of Universities, offering international exchange opportunities.
University of Canterbury
- Renowned for practical experience through its Clinical Studies program.
- Located in Christchurch with a curriculum covering criminal justice and border control.
- Emphasises interdisciplinary opportunities with science and engineering.
- Prepares graduates for roles in private, public, and non-profit sectors.
University of Waikato
- Focuses on Māori perspectives, community law, and social responsibility.
- Offers hands-on experience through the Hamilton District Community Law Centre.
- Specialises in community law, corporate law, and environmental law.
- Committed to accessible legal education with a public service focus.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Modern, practical approach to legal education located in Auckland.
- Emphasises criminal law, corporate law, and public policy.
- High acceptance rate and popular among international students.
- Offers internships and industry exposure with local law firms.
Massey University
- Offers a flexible, accessible law program with part-time and online options.
- Focus on foundational law, commercial law, and social policy.
- Ideal for working students or those seeking a practical approach to legal studies.
- Known for combining legal theory with New Zealand’s unique legal landscape.
Becoming a Lawyer in New Zealand
Like elsewhere, becoming a lawyer in New Zealand follows a structured and rigorous process.
Secondary School
Students have to perform well academically to be accepted into law courses at university, which means their secondary school results have to be good.
Students are encouraged to focus particularly on subjects that promote critical thinking and communication, such as English, history, and social studies.
Bachelor of Laws
Once they finish secondary school, students can apply to university to study a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which usually takes four years of full-time study.
The LLB curriculum covers the core areas for study within New Zealand's legal system like contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law.
As students approach the end of their LLB, they'll be presented with more opportunities for specialisation through their class selection. These areas of specialisation typically include corporate law, criminal law, and environmental law.
Professional Legal Studies Course
When a student completes their LLB, they are not fully qualified to practice law. They must complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC).
Unlike elsewhere in the world, where the Bar or a similar test or academic qualification is required, New Zealand prefers a more vocational program. The PLSC teaches practical skills like legal research, client interviewing, document drafting, and courtroom advocacy.
Admission to the High Court of New Zealand
After finishing the PLSC, you're ready to join the legal profession as a barrister or solicitor. There's a mandatory period of supervised practice first; after three years, you can practice law unsupervised.
Career Options with Law Degrees
In New Zealand, law graduates typically either work as solicitors or barristers, but there are several career options for law graduates.
Working as a Solicitor
A solicitor typically provides general legal services like advising clients, drafting contracts, and handling transactions. It's common for solicitors to work in law firms or corporate legal departments. Areas of specialisation can include criminal, corporate, or family law.
Working as a Barrister
Barristers, on the other hand, are courtroom specialists who work on courtroom advocacy and litigation. Solicitors refer their cases to them.
Other Career Options with a Law Degree
However, law graduates don't have to automatically pursue one of these two options. They can always work as in-house counsel for corporations and advise on legal matters within the business.
There are also legal routes into government agencies where law graduates are well-suited to advise and contribute to policy-making and regulatory compliance.
You can also further specialise in areas like environmental law, human rights, and international law by working in NGOs, environmental agencies, or international organisations.
Options Outside of Law
Law graduates can take on non-legal roles. Their skills can be used in HR, journalism, or politics.
How Much Do Legal Professionals Earn?
One reason many people choose to study law is because of how much they could potentially earn. In New Zealand, like elsewhere, the starting salaries for legal professionals are good.
Solicitor Earnings
Junior solicitors can earn between $65,000 and $85,000, a very competitive entry-level salary. Financially, new legal professionals in New Zealand should live comfortably.
As they gain experience, legal professionals start to see their earnings increase. Mid-level solicitors (with five to ten years of experience) can expect to earn between $90,000 and $130,000 in cities like Auckland and Wellington.
They could command even higher salaries if they specialise in areas like intellectual property, corporate law, or tax law. It's worthwhile checking to see if their areas of specialisation align with the growing sectors in New Zealand.
Partners will see a huge boost in their earnings at the senior level. Senior solicitors and partners in prominent areas of specialisation can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 a year.
Barrister Earnings
Barristers tend to earn more than their equivalent solicitors in terms of experience.
Top barristers can even expect to earn upwards of $500,000 a year, and those living in New Zealand's legal centres like Auckland and Wellington will earn more to match the cost of living in these places and the demand in these competitive markets.
Public Sector Legal Professionals
Those working in the public sector typically earn less than those in the private sector. However, their roles usually come with much better job security.
Junior sector solicitors can earn between $50,000 and $70,000, and with a few years of experience, this increases to between $80,000 and $100,000. Senior public sector legal professionals can earn up to $150,000 a year.
Despite the lower salaries, these roles usually have better work-life balance, job security, and pension plans.
In-house Legal Roles
In-house counsel positions offer an excellent middle ground between the aforementioned private-sector legal roles and public-sector roles.
For example, in-house lawyers in the finance, insurance, and technology sectors can earn between $100,000 and $130,000 a year. The senior roles go up to $150,000 and $200,000.
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