Are lawyers in demand in New Zealand?

Asked by: Dr. Danny Effertz DVM  |  Last update: October 27, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Demand for experienced solicitors has increased in commercial and insurance law due to high levels of construction, corporate investment, and a strong property market. Between 2011 and 2017 the number of solicitors grew by 11.8% to over 11,000. According to the Census, 11,865 solicitors worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Is it hard to get a job as a lawyer in NZ?

With a very large number of law students graduating each year, and a limited number of entry-level lawyer positions, it is difficult for a new graduate to get work as a lawyer. Many recent graduates are getting jobs in other industries instead.

Can a foreigner be a lawyer in New Zealand?

New Zealand does not regulate foreign lawyers nor provide them with any type of licence to practise in New Zealand.

Do lawyers get paid well NZ?

Lawyer - Average Salary NZ

The median (average) salary for a Lawyer in New Zealand is NZ$115,848 per year (NZ$55.70 per hour), which is 97% higher than the national median (average) salary. Lawyer salary range: NZ$41,212 to NZ$200,000 (excluding bonuses and benefits).

How much do NZ lawyers get paid?

How much does a Lawyer make in New Zealand? The average lawyer salary in New Zealand is $91,321 per year or $46.83 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $69,334 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $125,018 per year.

How much do lawyers earn in New Zealand

38 related questions found

Which type of lawyer earns the most NZ?

Pay
  • Solicitors with less than one year's experience usually earn $53,000 to $58,000 a year.
  • Solicitors with two to four years' experience usually earn $55,000 to $101,000.
  • Solicitors with more than four years' experience usually earn $70,000 to $175,000.

What is the highest paying job in NZ?

The highest-paying job in New Zealand is that of CEO or Managing Director. They earn, on the low end, around NZ$120,000 per year and, on average, around NZ$560,000 per year. On the high end, they can earn as much as NZ$4.5 million per year!

How long does it take to become a Lawyer NZ?

Studying law in Australia or New Zealand

In Australia, you'll spend a minimum of four years studying to become a lawyer. You'll pursue one of two degrees: a 4-year Bachelor of Law degree (LLB) or a combined LLB (5+ years). In New Zealand, an LLB takes four years to complete, and a combined LLB takes five.

How much do junior lawyers make NZ?

A more recent survey, conducted by NZ LAW Ltd and released in 2019, found similar results in terms of annual salaries. In that survey, the lowest full-time equivalent salary rate for a junior solicitor was $39,000, with the median salary being $49,272. The actual salary median amounted to $46,750 per annum.

What type of lawyers gets paid the most?

Some of the highest-paid lawyers are:
  • Medical Lawyers – Average $138,431. Medical lawyers make one of the highest median wages in the legal field. ...
  • Intellectual Property Attorneys – Average $128,913. ...
  • Trial Attorneys – Average $97,158. ...
  • Tax Attorneys – Average $101,204. ...
  • Corporate Lawyers – $116,361.

Is there a bar exam in NZ?

New Zealand Council of Legal Education. The Council requires many overseas applicants to pass all or a number of Parts of an examination on the law of New Zealand. The Examination consists of a six Part written Examination following a comprehensive self-taught prescription. The exam is held twice a year.

Can Indian LLB practice in NZ?

I want to practice law in New Zealand, how do I do that? To practise as or to call yourself a New Zealand lawyer you must: Complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE).

How do I become a lawyer NZ?

Entry requirements
  1. complete a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB)
  2. complete a Professional Legal Studies Course.
  3. get a completion certificate from the New Zealand Council of Legal Education.
  4. get a certificate of character from the Law Society.
  5. be admitted to the roll of barristers and solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand.

Is law a demanding career?

Law as a profession is in great demand these days. Due to the changing social and economic circumstances and the ever-increasing regulatory role being undertaken by the government there is a rising demand for the lawyers. Besides being financially lucrative, Law is an adventurous and exciting career option.

How many law graduates a year NZ?

Law Talk, on 11 March 2016, reported that there are currently 1650 law graduates a year.

What types of lawyers are there in NZ?

There are two types of lawyers in New Zealand - barristers and solicitors. Barristers do court work and solicitors do other legal work that does not require them to represent their clients in court. Most lawyers are qualified as both but usually choose to do either court work or legal work.

Is law a high paying career?

Many top law firms are paying the highest salaries to their employees in India. The tier I law firms pay[2] 10-17 lakhs per annum for a fresh graduate and if a fresher can glorify him in the firm , the salary would range from around 80 lakhs to 1 Crore.

How many lawyers are there in NZ?

The number of lawyers practising in New Zealand continues to rise. at 1 February 2019 there were 13,530 based in New Zealand – up 3.4% from 13,087 at 1 February 2018. another 803 lawyers held New Zealand practising certificates but were based overseas (up from 756 a year earlier).

Do you have to be smart to be a lawyer?

You need good grades in high school so you can get into a good college or university. Then once you are there, you need a good GPA and good credentials so you can be competitive when you apply for the limited spots reputable law schools have open. So the answer is yes, you do need to be smart to be a lawyer.

How much does a law degree cost NZ?

New Zealand residents who enroll in a law degree pay $5,798 for a year of study. Because government subsidies may not be available for international students, these fees may increase for those studying from another country. To get the most current fee schedule, students should contact the university of their choice.

What is the best law school in New Zealand?

Top 10 Lists - LLM in New Zealand
  • University of Melbourne - 2022/23 Intake. May 19, 2022 122 0.
  • LLM in Health and Medical Law. Feb 03, 2022 238 0.
  • LLM in Health and Medical Law. Feb 03, 2022 65 0.
  • Criminal law. Oct 13, 2021 96 0.
  • LLM at Melbourne. ...
  • LLB/BCom in New Zealand VS BCom in NZ + Juris Doctor in Australia.

Which career is best in NZ?

But experts predict that these seven career areas have the most promising future: Medicine and health care. Renewable energy and green jobs. Information technology.
...
  1. Medicine and health care. ...
  2. Renewable energy and green jobs. ...
  3. Information technology. ...
  4. International and environmental law. ...
  5. Content creation and marketing. ...
  6. Data science.

Is $70000 a good salary in New Zealand?

Labour MP Deborah Russell and National MP Stuart Smith weighed in on the issue this week. Almost half of Auckland households earning between $70,000 and $100,000 a year say they are just able to make ends meet. Commentators said what would count as "wealthy" in New Zealand in 2019 was subjective.

How much does a barrister earn in NZ?

Barristers with less than one year's experience usually earn $53,000 to $58,000 a year. Barristers with two to four years' experience usually earn $55,000 to $101,000. Barristers with more than four years' experience can earn $70,000 to $175,000.