Training in law

To practise as a lawyer you must:

  • hold a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB), from Auckland, Waikato, Victoria, Canterbury or Otago University. This normally takes four years of full time study. For further information about the courses, check out the links to the university websites.
  • complete a practical course administered by the Institute of Professional Legal Studies(IPLS) or the College of Law New Zealand.
  • be admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand.
  • hold a current practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society.

Students often fulfil more than these minimum requirements and complete a double degree such as BA/LLB, or study for Honours or postgraduate study in law. With these broader qualifications there is greater opportunity in the employment market.

Career options

Legal graduates work in a wide range of areas:

  • private practice
  • parliamentary drafting
  • the public service
  • public companies
  • university teaching
  • the judiciary
  • research
  • law reform
  • local government
  • state-owned enterprises.

Para-legal careers

Some people are interested in the law but choose not to train and practise as a lawyer. There are opportunities to work in a number of areas such as a court reporter, legal secretary, court registrar or legal executive.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008