Are lawyers in demand in NZ?

Asked by: Vella Brekke IV  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (50 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.

Do lawyers make good money NZ?

The average lawyer salary in New Zealand is $91,266 per year or $46.80 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $68,587 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $138,503 per year.

Is there a strong demand for lawyers?

Job Outlook

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 46,000 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

What field of law is most in demand?

Highest Client Growth Rates by Practice Area
  • Insurance: +2190% (YoY) ...
  • Criminal Law: +1680% (YoY) ...
  • Civil Rights: +1160% (YoY) ...
  • Personal Injury: +660% (YoY) ...
  • Estate Planning: +330% (YoY) ...
  • Bankruptcy: +280% (YoY) ...
  • Employment Law: +190% (YoY) ...
  • Business Law: +140% (YoY) (Top growth area: Contracts)

How much a lawyer earns in New Zealand?

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 lawyers earn in New Zealand

20 related questions found

What lawyers get paid the most NZ?

According to the NZ Legal Salary Guide 2021/2022, boutique firms offer the highest rates to special counsel, with those at firms in Auckland receiving around $175,000. Those at firms in Wellington and regional areas get approximately $170,000, while those at firms in Christchurch receive about $160,000.

Is the law profession dying?

So, is Lawyer a Dying Profession? Law is not a dying profession since there will always be individuals, businesses, and all levels of government that use legal services in a variety of areas, including litigation. ... About 46,000 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Is law a good career for the future?

Law as a profession is in great demand these days. ... Besides being financially lucrative, Law is an adventurous and exciting career option. Lawyers are held in high esteem in our society, and there remains the faith that when everything else fails, one can still take the path of legal system.

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Types Of Lawyers That Make The Most Money
  • 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.

Are lawyer jobs competitive?

Many Americans — in the legal industry and otherwise — desire a move to California. Certainly, various legal practice areas are thriving in California. ...

Are too many people becoming lawyers?

As of 2017, there are around 1.3 million licensed and practicing attorneys in the United States, which roughly translates to one lawyer for every 244 Americans. ... This is why the market has too many lawyers: because there are not enough people who will need legal services.

Are lawyers competitive?

Highly competitive.

Lawyers are highly competitive, and this high level of competitiveness drives them to do crazy things like go through the pains of applying and attending law school.

Is being a lawyer hard?

Deadlines, billing pressures, client demands, long hours, changing laws, and other demands all combine to make the practice of law one of the most stressful jobs out there. Throw in rising business pressures, evolving legal technologies, and climbing law school debt and it's no wonder lawyers are stressed.

How much does a junior lawyer earn 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.

How long does it take to become a lawyer NZ?

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.

Is law a good career in 2021?

Law is a financially lucrative career as well as intellectually challenging and earns handsome salary varying as per the role as well as the company they are working with.

What is the best field of law?

Here are 16 fruitful, promising areas of law for you to consider.
  1. Complex Litigation. This is an area of law that demands a lot of patience and incredible attention to detail. ...
  2. Corporate Law. ...
  3. Tax Law. ...
  4. Intellectual Property. ...
  5. Blockchain. ...
  6. Healthcare. ...
  7. Environmental. ...
  8. Criminal.

What is the best career in law?

Highest paying legal jobs
  • Intellectual property paralegal. ...
  • Litigation lawyer. ...
  • General counsel. ...
  • Contracts lawyer. ...
  • Employment lawyer. ...
  • Chief legal officer. National average salary: $148,051 per year. ...
  • Patent attorney. National average salary: $162,214 per year. ...
  • Corporate lawyer. National average salary: $250,028 per year.

Is a law a good degree?

A law degree is a great qualification to obtain employment – law graduates have the 6th highest employment rate - and bear in mind up to 60% of all law graduates chose to use their law degree to gain jobs other than in the legal profession. ... Use careers services in school, university and at legal training providers.

How many hours do lawyers work NZ?

The standard working week: 40 hours, five days.

How much does a family lawyer make NZ?

Graduate solicitors usually earn $42,000 to $45,000 a year. Solicitors with two to four years' experience usually earn $45,000 to $70,000. Solicitors with more than three years' experience usually earn $70,000 to $250,000.

How do you become a criminal lawyer in NZ?

To become a lawyer in New Zealand, you are required to:
  1. complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) or LLB (Honours) degree approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education.
  2. complete a Professional Legal Studies Course.
  3. obtain a Certificate of Completion from the NZCLE, and.

What is the poorest town in New Zealand?

Kawerau is New Zealand's poorest town. It has the country's lowest average income, its highest share of sole parents and beneficiaries, and has been dominated for 30 years by the Mongrel Mob.

What is the lowest paying job in NZ?

The lowest paid jobs in New Zealand, relative to qualifications and experience, are all in the services sector, with hotel receptionists, waiters/waitresses and bar staff regularly being rated right at the bottom of the scale.