Legal

What You Could Do

Career Opportunities in the Legal Industry

Legal roles in New Zealand are diverse, reflecting the fact that every industry operates within legal and regulatory frameworks.

From criminal justice and corporate law to mediation and compliance, legal professionals play a critical role in supporting individuals, businesses, and communities.

One of the best ways to explore potential pathways is to:

✅ Research different roles
✅ Understand qualification requirements
✅ Identify your strengths and interests
✅ Build relevant skills and experience

Example Career Paths

Here are some key roles within the sector:

Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers represent individuals facing criminal charges.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing and presenting cases
• Advising clients on legal options
• Conducting legal research
• Analysing evidence
• Representing clients in court

Strong analytical thinking and advocacy skills are essential.

Solicitor

Solicitors provide legal advice to individuals and organisations.

They commonly:

• Advise on legal matters
• Prepare contracts and agreements
• Draft legal documents
• Conduct legal research
• Manage client relationships
• Represent clients (in some proceedings)

Solicitors often specialise in specific areas of law.

Barrister

Barristers specialise in courtroom advocacy and legal argument.

They typically:

• Represent clients in court
• Provide specialist legal opinions
• Prepare submissions and pleadings
• Analyse complex legal issues

Barristers are usually engaged by solicitors for litigation matters.

Mediator / Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Mediators help resolve disputes outside the courtroom.

They:

• Facilitate negotiations
• Encourage collaborative solutions
• Remain neutral
• Help parties reach agreements

Common areas include family, workplace, and civil disputes.

Legal Assistant

Legal assistants support lawyers with administrative and legal tasks.

Duties may include:

• Document preparation
• File management
• Client communication
• Scheduling and coordination
• Legal research support

Organisation and attention to detail are key.

Paralegal

Paralegals assist legal professionals with research and case preparation.

They may:

• Conduct legal research
• Draft documents
• Manage case files
• Support litigation preparation

Work is performed under legal supervision.

Legal Executive

Legal Executives are qualified professionals specialising in areas such as:

• Property transactions
• Conveyancing
• Trust and estate administration
• Business law matters

This is a recognised and respected career pathway in New Zealand.

Legal Aid / Community Law Professional

These professionals support access to justice by:

• Providing legal guidance
• Assisting disadvantaged individuals
• Supporting community legal services

Often employed by Legal Aid Services or Community Law Centres.

Beyond These Roles

The legal sector also includes careers in:

• Compliance & risk
• Policy & regulation
• Corporate governance
• Contract management
• Legal technology

A Broad Professional Ecosystem

Like many industries, the legal sector is supported by:

• Administration professionals
• Finance & accounting teams
• Marketing & communications
• HR specialists
• IT & legal technology experts

Explore & Discover

Whether you are drawn to advocacy, advisory work, research, negotiation, or administration — the legal industry offers multiple entry points and specialisations.

Graduate Outcomes & Gender Split

Qualifications & Graduate Outcomes

To practise and become a registered legal professional in New Zealand — whether as a lawyer, solicitor, or barrister — you must complete formal education and professional training.

Typical requirements include:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Completion of a Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC)
• Admission to the High Court of New Zealand
• Meeting Law Society regulatory requirements

Some career pathways may also involve postgraduate study or specialist qualifications.

A Competitive but Rewarding Field

The legal profession is known for being competitive, particularly in areas such as:

• Corporate & commercial law
• Litigation
• Criminal law
• Specialist advisory roles

Graduates with a clear sense of direction, strong academic performance, and practical experience often achieve positive employment outcomes.

Graduate Employment Insights

Graduate outcome trends continue to show encouraging results for law-related qualifications.

Typical patterns indicate:

Law & Legal Studies Graduates

• Strong full-time employment outcomes
• High overall employment rates
• Broad career flexibility

Graduate data may not fully capture those who are:

• Working part-time
• Completing further study
• Undertaking clerkships
• Building independent practice pathways

Overall, employment prospects remain positive.

Gender Representation

Gender representation within New Zealand’s legal sector has evolved significantly.

Trends indicate:

• Near-balanced participation at graduate and solicitor levels
• Strong female representation among practising solicitors
• Increasing diversity across the profession

However, senior leadership and partnership roles may still show differing representation patterns.

Indicative workforce observations:

Solicitor-Level Representation

• Relatively even gender balance
• Strong participation across genders

Senior & Partnership Roles

• Historically higher male representation
• Ongoing progress toward greater balance

Professional bodies and firms continue to prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

A Profession with Many Pathways

Legal qualifications can lead to careers across:

✅ Private practice
✅ Barristerial practice
✅ In-house legal roles
✅ Government & policy
✅ Compliance & regulation
✅ Dispute resolution
✅ Legal technology

Long-Term Career Value

A legal career can offer:

• Intellectual challenge
• Professional stability
• Diverse specialisations
• Leadership opportunities
• Strong earning potential

Average Salary

Current surveys in the sector indicate the median salaries for full-time roles in this industry as:

• Junior Lawyer: $71-$77,100
• Senior Lawyer: $103-$132,000
• Firm Partner: $184-$230,000
• Solicitor: $83-$98,000
• Barrister: $98-$120,000
• Paralegal: $56-73,000
• Legal Aid Officer: $67-$83,000

Salaries can be pretty varied, with lower expectations for entry-level roles.

Salaries are also determined by several factors, including:

• The segment of the industry you work within.
• Your job title and seniority.
• The amount of experience you have.
• Location, some rural areas may pay less than roles in main cities.

Industry Growth

Industry Outlook

The legal profession in New Zealand is widely regarded as a stable and resilient career market, with some areas experiencing stronger growth than others.

Demand for legal expertise continues to be driven by:

• Regulatory and compliance requirements
• Business and commercial activity
• Property and construction markets
• Employment and workplace relations
• Technological and digital developments

Employment Trends

The legal workforce has shown steady long-term growth, particularly in roles such as:

• Solicitors
• Legal executives
• In-house legal counsel
• Compliance professionals

Opportunities continue to expand across both private practice and corporate/government sectors.

Emerging & Growth Areas

Several practice areas are seeing increasing demand:

Arbitration & Dispute Resolution
Alternative methods for resolving commercial and civil disputes.

Data Protection & Privacy Law
Supporting organisations managing digital risk and regulatory obligations.

Environmental & Planning Law
Advising on sustainability, land use, and development.

Financial Services Regulation
Ensuring compliance within banking, investment, and financial markets.

White-Collar & Corporate Crime
Addressing regulatory breaches and corporate misconduct.

Immigration Law
Supporting individuals and businesses navigating immigration processes.

Why This Matters

Growth across these areas is creating:

✅ Diverse specialisation opportunities
✅ Strong demand for legal expertise
✅ Career flexibility
✅ Expanding advisory roles

A Profession That Evolves

The legal industry continues to adapt alongside:

• Changes in legislation
• Technological advancements
• Business innovation
• Global regulatory trends

This evolution creates new career pathways and areas of expertise.

Qualifications and Entry Pathways

Qualifications & Entry Pathways

To practise as a lawyer, solicitor, or barrister in New Zealand, you must complete formal legal education and meet professional admission requirements.

Typically, this involves:

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Completion of a Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC)
• Admission to the High Court of New Zealand
• Holding a practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society

Postgraduate study is also common for those wishing to specialise.

Law Degree Pathways

There are two primary routes into legal practice:

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The most common undergraduate pathway into the legal profession.

Juris Doctor (JD)
A postgraduate law qualification for those who already hold a bachelor’s degree.

Both pathways must meet accreditation standards for professional admission.

Vocational & Support Career Pathways

For those interested in legal support roles, vocational education offers practical entry routes.

Relevant New Zealand qualifications may include:

• New Zealand Certificate in Legal Services
• New Zealand Diploma in Legal Executive Studies
• Legal administration programmes
• Business administration (legal focus)

These pathways can lead to roles such as:

✅ Legal Assistant
✅ Legal Secretary
✅ Paralegal
✅ Legal Executive

Professional Requirements

Most practising legal roles require:

• Completion of accredited qualifications
• Professional training
• Admission and certification
• Ongoing professional obligations

Do Your Research

Requirements vary depending on:

• Career pathway
• Area of specialisation
• Employer expectations
• Qualification route

Always review admission criteria and job requirements carefully.

Best Places to Study

Where to Study Law

Choosing where to study law will depend on your career goals, academic strengths, preferred campus environment, and location. Different universities offer particular strengths across legal disciplines.

Leading New Zealand Universities for Law

University of Auckland
New Zealand’s largest law school, offering comprehensive legal education and strong international recognition.

University of Otago
Well known for its law programme and strong focus on legal research and professional preparation.

Victoria University of Wellington
Highly regarded for public law, policy, and government-related legal studies.

University of Canterbury
Offers respected law qualifications with strong links to the legal profession.

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Provides modern, practice-focused legal education pathways.

Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Study

✅ Accreditation and recognition
✅ Areas of legal specialisation
✅ Internship and clerkship opportunities
✅ Teaching and learning style
✅ Campus experience
✅ Location and lifestyle

Selecting the right institution is an important step toward building a successful legal career.

Where to Learn More

Learn More About Legal Career Pathways

You can explore legal careers, professional requirements, and industry insights through organisations that support and regulate New Zealand’s legal profession.

Some great places to start include:

New Zealand Law Society (NZLS)
Regulates practising lawyers and provides guidance on legal careers, practising certificates, and professional standards.

New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE)
Oversees legal education requirements and accreditation for admission to practise law.

New Zealand Bar Association (NZBA)
Represents barristers and supports advocacy, networking, and professional development.

Community Law Centres Aotearoa (CLCA)
Provides insight into community law, legal aid, and access-to-justice careers.

Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa (Māori Law Society)
Supports Māori lawyers and promotes diversity within the legal profession.

Why Connect with Professional Bodies?

These organisations can help you:

✅ Understand qualification requirements
✅ Learn about areas of legal practice
✅ Access career resources
✅ Build professional networks
✅ Stay informed on industry developments

Specialist & Regional Networks

Across New Zealand, additional associations and regional groups offer:

• Networking events
• Professional development
• Mentorship opportunities
• Career guidance

Whether you’re interested in private practice, barristerial work, legal aid, policy, or corporate law — professional bodies provide valuable career support.