Work in New Zealand as a Lawyer, Barrister, or Solicitor

What do Lawyers do?

Lawyers provide legal services and advice to clients who engage with them. Solicitors provide legal advice and documents such as drafting contracts, property purchases, wills etc. Barristers are lawyers who represent clients on their behalf in a court of law or tribunal. Most lawyers in New Zealand are both Solicitors and Barristers.

According to the Australia/New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, tasks may include for a Barrister:

• receiving written information in the form of briefs and verbal instructions concerning cases from Solicitors, other specialist Legal Professionals and clients
• providing advice and written opinions on points of law
• conferring with clients and witnesses in preparation for court proceedings
• drawing up pleadings, affidavits and other court documents
• researching statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases
• outlining the facts to the court, calling and questioning witnesses, and making addresses to the court to argue a client's case
• providing opinion on complex legal issues
• may draw up or settle documents

A Solicitor's tasks may include:

• interviewing clients to determine the nature of problems, and recommending and undertaking appropriate legal action
• preparing cases for court by conducting investigations, undertaking research, arranging witness preparation and attendance, and giving notice of court actions
• representing clients in court
• managing conveyancing and other property matters by preparing contracts of sale, mortgage documents, lease documents and other documents relating to the transfer of land and buildings
• preparing and critically reviewing contracts between parties
• preparing wills
• providing advice on family law, company law, partnerships, commercial law and trusts
• may act as trustee or guardian
• may act as executor of clients' wills

Where are the jobs?

Currently Auckland in particularly is in a large period of growth and skilled Lawyers are in demand. Job opportunities are average to good for new graduates, and excellent for professionals with experience and specialist skills.

Once you gain experience in this field, you can work independently as a Lawyer or Barrister, join a practice or run your own business (you need to be on an open work visa or a resident to be self-employed). As a resident, you can be your own boss and work independently to provide legal services.

Your pay varies on the skills, experience and the type / complexity of work that you will do.

Barristers

• Graduate Barristers usually earn $42k - $45 k per year
• Experienced Barristers usually earn $70k – $250k per year

Solicitors

• Graduate Solicitors usually earn $42k - $45 k per year
• Experienced Solicitors usually earn $90- $220k per year

Do you have what it is required for being a Lawyer, Barrister, or Solicitor in New Zealand?

According to ANZSCO, a Lawyer is a skill level 1 occupation and you will be required to hold a bachelor degree or higher qualification to meet the qualification requirements.

Registration requirements

Registration is required in New Zealand to work as a Lawyer. You will need to hold a practicing certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society.

New Zealand Law Society Visit website

According to the law society, an overseas-qualified lawyer who does not hold a New Zealand practising certificate is not a 'lawyer' under the New Zealand regulatory regime. This means that they are able to provide legal services but are unable to undertake any work that involves carrying out any of the 'reserved areas' of work for lawyers (with limited exceptions).