Law

The study of Law can open up a wide range of career opportunities, not only in legal practice but in areas such as policy, business consulting and advocacy.

Through the study of legal concepts, theory, principles, legislative process and legal interpretation, Law students learn to compare, contrast, and cross-reference information. They use critical analysis and judgement in their research and preparation. They also develop strong communication and language skills to be able to advise clients or to persuade others in legal proceedings or a wide range of non-legal roles. The study of Law complements other disciplines, particularly commerce, science, and the humanities.

Where can Law take you?

Roles and career pathways

Law graduates have many career options, both within or outside the legal profession.

Being admitted to the High Court of New Zealand

To practice as a barrister or solicitor you must first complete a Bachelor of Laws degree then a practical professional legal studies course; be admitted to the High Court of New Zealand as a barrister and solicitor and apply for and hold a current practising certificate issued by a district law society. Once admitted, a lawyer can work as a barrister or a solicitor. For more information see New Zealand Law Society.

What barristers and solicitors do

Barristers work in and out of courts and tribunals, in criminal trials or Family Court proceedings. They represent their clients, presenting evidence, and making submissions on the client's behalf.

Solicitors provide general legal advice in areas such as:

  • property
  • family law
  • tax
  • Māori land law
  • resource management
  • media
  • technology.

Lawyers can work in large commercial firms,  small to medium-sized or boutique specialist firms.  They can also work as in-house lawyers in public or private sector organisations or non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Applying  your legal skills in other  roles

Many Law students choose not to practice law and there are multiple career pathways outside of law practice in all sectors. A few examples are:

  • policy analysis and advice
  • foreign affairs and trade
  • management consulting
  • business development
  • legal writing and editing
  • entrepreneurship.

Graduate career stories

Louise Yarrall at home in the Cook Islands

Louise Yarrall

Studying Law with Arts subjects, sharpened Louise's critical thinking, curiosity, and creative storytelling skills, ideal for a career in communications.
Paddy Miller

Paddy Miller

Extracurricular experiences and connections made as a student leader and advocate led Paddy to her current role as an employment lawyer.
Young man smiling against rural backdrop

Daniel Mahoney

Daniel’s study of Law, humanities and languages while building leadership skills has led him to a key role in international policy.

Where Law graduates work

As well as in law firms, the courts, or legal roles in private and public sector organisations, Law graduates are found in almost any kind of jobs across every sector. Here are a few examples of where recent Law graduates work:

Build relevant skills and experience

Paid and unpaid work experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study, such as justice or youth work, can help you to develop valuable connections and relevant work experience. Community Law - Wellington and Hutt Valley provides free legal advice to people who need it most throughout New Zealand. Student volunteers gain practical experience giving legal assistance while increasing clients’ access to justice.

Summer clerkships

Larger law firms have summer clerk programmes that enable you to gain experience and progress to law clerk roles after completing your degree. It is useful to explore opportunities in small to medium law firms across New Zealand. These firms can also take on summer clerks and graduate law clerks and this widens your chances of finding work.

Make career connections

Legal student and professional groups

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. While you are a  student, get involved in:

Policy and public sector  career connections

The Institute for Governance and Policy Studies is a public policy think tank based at the Wellington School of Business and Government and offers students and graduates access to a range of learning and networking events.

Professional associations such as Institute of Public Administrators New Zealand (IPANZ) have a New Professionals group, and Wellington Young Professionals can also be helpful if you are exploring work possibilities in and outside of legal practice.