Corporate/Government Lawyer
Tasks & duties
Corporate/government lawyers may do some or all of the following, depending on their organisation's size, structure and the nature of its business:
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interpret how laws affect the organisation they are employed by
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advise their organisation on laws and how they can comply with them
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oversee and manage work carried out by lawyers from outside the organisation
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prepare legal documents
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help write laws to be considered in parliament
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recommend law changes or make legal submissions to the Government
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represent their organisation or government department in court
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prepare legal strategy and policy
Skills & knowledge
Corporate/government lawyers need to have:
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knowledge of New Zealand laws and the legal system
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knowledge of the way courts work
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research skills
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skill in interpreting, analysing and evaluating information
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planning and organisational skills
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communication and listening skills
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problem-solving skills
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writing skills
Entry requirements
To become a corporate/government lawyer 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 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.
Tertiary education
As well as a Bachelor of Laws, useful subjects include political science, languages, public policy and subjects related to the area a corporate/government lawyer wants to work in.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job, but corporate/government lawyers may also attend legal, business and law society seminars to keep themselves up to date. The Corporate Lawyers Association of NZ (CLANZ) also runs annual conferences and seminars specifically for corporate/government lawyers.
Useful experience
Many people gain initial work experience in private practice, usually in law firms, before seeking employment as corporate/government lawyers. Other useful work experience includes work for the Government or in business.
Related courses
Business and Commercial Law
Constitutional Law
Justice Administration
Legal Practice
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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