"I chose to go to law school because I thought that someday, somehow I'd make a difference." – Christopher Darden
Many New Zealand students choose law to make a difference, influence social change, or uphold justice. They may also be interested in the prestigious and lucrative professions of working in law.
A law degree in New Zealand will provide you with plenty of employment opportunities. Of course, there are more steps than just a law degree and other professional requirements before you can practise law.
The legal sector in New Zealand is diverse. It allows aspiring lawyers to specialise in criminal, corporate, human rights, and international law. Here, we'll look at what you need to start practising law and the legal roles law graduates can perform.
Entry Requirements and Academic Pathway to a Law Degree
Before we look at any of the employment opportunities available, let's quickly see what you need to do to start working in law.
After all, before and after your law degree, there are a few things you need to know before you're suitable for most of the roles we'll mention in this article.
Secondary School Preparation
Before you can start thinking about jobs with a law degree, you need to make it onto a law degree programme.
This begins at secondary school, where students should consider choosing subjects that help with critical thinking, research, and communication skills.
Subjects are rarely required for law degrees, but subjects like English, history, and social studies can certainly help.
Good grades are essential, though. You'll likely need good grades at NCEA Level 3 or equivalent qualification to study law. After all, most LLB degrees at a New Zealand university demand them.
Academic Path – Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
Your first tangible academic steps toward becoming a lawyer are when you study for a law degree. In New Zealand, this is the Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
You can study this at universities nationwide, like the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and the University of Otago.
The LLB usually requires four years of full-time study, during which time you'll learn about essential legal subjects like criminal law, contract law, and constitutional law.
Once you embark on your LLB, you'll find that the courses are not just competitive, but also intellectually demanding. The workload is substantial as you delve into legal principles, complete papers and courses, and select elective courses for your specialisation.
Specialisations typically include corporate, environmental, international, and human rights laws.
Admission to the Legal Profession
Even once you complete your LLB, you cannot practise law. You need to complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC).
This course provides training in legal skills, such as client communication, legal writing, and courtroom procedures.
Once you complete this course, you can apply for admission to the High Court of New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor, which allows you to practise law in the country.
After that, you must complete supervised practice for three years and apply for sole practice.
Career Opportunities in the Legal Field
You can look at legal careers after the LLB and admission to the New Zealand bar, which you do after the PLSC, which is New Zealand's equivalent to the bar exam, though it's more a course than an exam.
There are many legal opportunities, and here are just a few.
Solicitor
Solicitors work directly with clients. They provide legal advice, draft documents, and handle various legal matters.
In New Zealand, solicitors work in law firms, government departments and agencies, or large corporations. They can specialise in criminal law, family law, corporate law, or intellectual property law.
Solicitors manage legal transactions, negotiate contracts, and represent clients in lower courts. For example, a corporate solicitor may work on mergers, acquisitions, and contracts. Criminal solicitors, on the other hand, will work on defence cases or prosecutions.
Barrister
A barrister represents clients in court and typically works on more complex legal cases. Solicitors refer cases to barristers who focus on courtroom advocacy and litigation. It's common for barristers in New Zealand to work independently from their chambers.
In New Zealand, barristers specialise in commercial litigation, criminal defence, or public law. They present cases, cross-examine witnesses, and craft arguments before a judge or jury.
Legal Executive and Paralegal
Legal executives and paralegals are only partially qualified lawyers, but their roles are essential.
They typically prepare cases, manage documents, conduct legal research, and assist solicitors and barristers.
Legal executives often handle property transfers, managing wills and trusts, drafting contracts, etc.
Paralegals will organise case files, conduct research, and prepare briefs.
Specialised Legal Careers in New Zealand
We mentioned specialisation earlier. Students can start specialising towards the end of their law degree, with electives available in different areas of law. There are also opportunities to specialise through training, further study (such as master's degrees), and practical legal experience.
It's worthwhile specialising as it can increase your earning potential and salary.
Environmental and Resource Management Law
New Zealand is particularly focused on sustainability and environmental protection. This has led to opportunities in environmental and resource management law.
Environmental lawyers work on cases focusing on resource management, pollution control, and conservation efforts.
They can work for government agencies and bodies, private companies, or non-profit organisations and NGOs.
International Law
International law deals with relations between entities in different countries and enforcing international agreements and regulations.
Lawyers in New Zealand who specialise in international law will likely work for global organisations, government departments, or multinational corporations.
They will often handle cases related to trade, human rights, immigration, or cross-border disputes.
Human Rights Law
Human rights lawyers in New Zealand work to protect individuals' rights and freedoms. This can include cases involving discrimination, civil rights violations, or issues related to refugee and immigration law.
Human rights lawyers can work for non-profits or international organisations. They'll usually advocate for marginalised groups and promote justice on a global scale.
Alternative Career Paths for Law Graduates
Law graduates aren't obliged to go directly into law careers. There are so many transferrable skills that you'll learn.
These skills are particularly valued in journalism, politics, and business.
Journalism
It's not uncommon for law graduates to find careers in journalism. Their analysis and research can be of excellent use in journalism.
Their understanding of the law also helps with criminal justice, corporate governance, and government policies.
Law graduates who turn to journalism can specialise in investigative reporting.-
Human Resources (HR)
Law graduates can also work in human resources. HR professionals may have to handle employment law, workplace disputes, and compliance with local labour laws.
Law graduates specialising in employment law are particularly useful in HR roles, using their legal knowledge to ensure that companies follow employment regulations and best practices.
Politics and Policy Advising
It's not uncommon for lawyers to pursue careers in politics. In New Zealand, law graduates can use their analytical and research skills to work in policy development, legislation, and government advisory roles.
Lawyers can also work as political strategists, ensuring that public policy complies with legal requirements.
Further Education and Specialisation
Law graduates can always further their studies to specialise. A Master of Laws (LLM), for example, allows law graduates to specialise in specific areas of law or further their careers in academic settings and international organisations.
These programmes are available in both New Zealand and around the world.
There are also postgraduate certificates in areas like tax, criminal, and commercial law, with courses offering education and training in specific areas. These typically are required for higher-level legal roles.
Learn More About Law with a Private Tutor
As you can see, a law degree in New Zealand offers a world of possibilities in terms of employment. Whether you become a solicitor or barrister or opt for journalism, HR, or politics careers, the skills gained through a law degree are valuable.
However, a law degree is challenging, and even though the programmes at universities in New Zealand only accept the very best applicants, it's normal to struggle with the demands of studying law.
Fortunately, you can always get help with studying law from a private tutor.
On the Superprof website, you can find tutors in New Zealand and around the world who can help.
Many offer the first session for free, so you can always try several options before choosing the right tutor for you, what you need to learn, and how you like to study. We recommend you shortlist potential tutors before you start contacting them. Once you have a few potential tutors in mind, start arranging free sessions.
See how a law tutor could help you today.
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