Barrister

Tasks & duties

Barristers may do some or all of the following:

• give legal advice to solicitors and solicitors' clients
• give legal opinions on questions of law and fact
• prepare and conduct civil and criminal cases in court
• prepare and present cases to specialist tribunals and committees

Barristers may also work as solicitors if they are not registered as a 'barrister sole'.

Specialisations

Barristers may specialise in one area of law, including:

• family law
• criminal law
• environmental law
• indigenous rights
• commercial law

Skills & knowledge

Barristers need to have:

• knowledge of New Zealand laws and the legal system
• knowledge of the way courts work
• research skills
• skills in interpreting, analysing and evaluating information
• planning and organisational skills
• public speaking skills
• communication and listening skills
• negotiating and problem-solving skills

Entry requirements

To become a barrister you need to have a Bachelor of Laws, which includes a course in legal ethics. After gaining your degree you must complete a Professional Legal Studies course to be admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is not needed to enter tertiary law study, although some universities require an A or B bursary or NCEA equivalent. Useful subjects are essay-based subjects such as English, history and classical studies. Maths and accounting may also be useful.

Tertiary education

As well as a Bachelor of Laws, useful subjects can include political science, languages or subjects related to the area a barrister wishes to work in.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. The New Zealand Law Society runs frequent seminars on different aspects of law and litigation as part of its continuing legal education programme.
 
New Zealand Law Society website – information about continuing legal education

Useful experience

Useful experience for barristers includes work as a law clerk, secretary or executive, and as a solicitor. Experience of public speaking can also be useful.

Related courses

Business and Commercial Law
Constitutional Law
Criminal Law
Family Law
Justice Administration
Legal Practice

For more information, please refer to Career Services.