How Long Does It Take To Become A Lawyer In New Zealand

How Long Does It Take To Become A Lawyer In New Zealand

Becoming a lawyer in New Zealand involves completing a law degree, practical legal training, and admission to the bar. The total time it takes to become a lawyer in New Zealand can vary depending on the individual's educational and professional background, but it typically takes around six to seven years.

Here are the steps to become a lawyer in New Zealand:

  1. Complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree: This degree typically takes four years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study.

  2. Complete practical legal training: Once you have completed your law degree, you must complete a Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC) or a Supervised Legal Practice (SLP) programme, which can take up to a year.

  3. Apply for admission to the bar: Once you have completed your practical legal training, you must apply for admission to the bar through the New Zealand Law Society. This involves passing a character and fitness assessment, completing a bar examination, and fulfilling other requirements.

  4. Complete on-the-job training: After being admitted to the bar, most new lawyers will begin their careers as junior associates or solicitors in a law firm or other legal organization. They will receive on-the-job training and mentorship from more experienced lawyers.

  5. Continuing professional development: To maintain their license to practice law in New Zealand, lawyers are required to complete ongoing professional development courses and activities throughout their careers.

Overall, becoming a lawyer in New Zealand requires a significant investment of time and effort, but it can be a rewarding and intellectually stimulating career choice.


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