What do lawyers earn in New Zealand?

Asked by: Braeden Hill PhD  |  Last update: February 19, 2022
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

The average lawyer salary in New Zealand is $91,212 per year or $46.78 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $68,587 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $120,577 per year.

Do lawyers make good money 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).

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 there a demand for lawyers in New Zealand?

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.

How much do lawyers earn in New Zealand

26 related questions found

How much does a graduate lawyer earn 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 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 many hours do lawyers work NZ?

The standard working week: 40 hours, five days.

What type of lawyers gets paid the most?

Medical Attorneys

Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.

What is a good salary NZ?

A US study has found there's an optimal earnings point that makes individuals happy. In New Zealand that "optimal" salary is $171,000, according to research from Purdue University in West Lafayette.

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.

Is New Zealand cheaper than Canada?

New Zealand is 7.7% more expensive than Canada.

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).

How much do judges get paid NZ?

Judges usually earn $358,000 to $525,000 a year. Judges also receive an allowance as part of their salary for general expenses. Source: Parliamentary Counsel Office, 'Judicial Officers Salaries and Allowances (2020/21) Determination 2020', 2021.

How many law graduates a year NZ?

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

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.

What qualifications do I need to be a lawyer NZ?

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

What is the best law school in New Zealand?

New Zealand's top ranked law school at the country's top-ranked university. The University of Auckland Law School is ranked in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject as the best place to study law in New Zealand based on academic reputation, employer reputation and research impact.

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.

How much do criminal lawyers make?

What is the average salary for a criminal lawyer? The average salary for all associate attorneys, including criminal lawyers is $76,374 per year. A lawyer's salary can be dependent on their level of experience and specialization among other factors.

How much does a barrister earn NZ?

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

How much do lawyers make an hour?

According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for an attorney as of May 2016 was $118,160. This means that 50 percent of attorneys made more money than $118,160 and 50 percent made less. This breaks down to a median hourly wage of $56.81 per hour.

How much do NZ doctors get paid?

The median (average) salary for a Doctor in New Zealand is NZ$152,900 per year (NZ$73.51 per hour), which is 160% higher than the national median (average) salary. Doctor salary range: NZ$71,304 to NZ$600,000 (excluding after-hours duties, allowances and other benefits in the remuneration package).

What do law graduates end up doing?

Apart from going into legal practice as solicitors and barristers, law graduates also go into areas such as: Banking, finance and other 'City' careers. Management consulting. Property or planning.