Is the law for you?
A lawyer is ...
... a highly trained specialist who will give advice on the best course of action a client can taken in matters relating to the law. Lawyers work professionally and independently to look after the interests of others. Lawyers trained in New Zealand are qualified to practise as both barristers and solicitors.
A barrister ...
works mainly in the courts and tribunals. Their work includes presenting evidence, making submissions on behalf of their clients, representing parties in criminal trials, handling domestic disputes in Family Courts, dealing with civil claims for damages and compensation.
A solicitor ...
may be involved in general advisory work, property transactions, estates, arranging finance and commercial work. They may also be involved in drafting wills, administering estates, advising on tax, forming companies, making contracts and raising or securing loans.
Lawyers can work as barristers or solicitors and many of them are in private practice. There are growing opportunities to work outside traditional private practice.
To be a good lawyer ...
... you need high academic standards. Each university law school sets its own entry criteria - see the individual university websites (listed below) for further information. In your first year at university you must get high grades to be considered for further law study.
You need more than academic ability to be a good lawyer. If you think law might be for you, think about whether you have the following skills:
|
Communication skills |
Personal qualities |
Academic skills |
|---|---|---|
|
Speaking |
Sincere |
Interpreting |
|
Writing |
Patient |
Good memory |
|
Explaining |
Confident |
Numeracy |
|
Understanding |
Organised |
Analysing |
|
Listening |
Reliable |
|
|
|
Hardworking |
|
| Honest | ||