Solicitor
Tasks & duties
Solicitors may do some or all of the following depending on their seniority and the type of legal work they are involved with:
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give legal advice to clients
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research and study details of the law and examine legal arguments
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prepare legal documents
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handle clients' funds
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instruct barristers to appear in court on behalf of clients
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interview suspects and witnesses
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do the paperwork for real estate sales and purchases
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give companies legal advice about business deals, including mergers and acquisitions
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negotiate business deals on behalf of their clients
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advise families on a range of family legal matters
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draft wills, affidavits and applications and set up trusts
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look after the affairs of deceased people
Specialisations
Solicitors may choose to specialise in one or more of the following areas:
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family law
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criminal law
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conveyancing and property law
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corporate law
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employment law
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construction law
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tax law
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banking and finance law
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environmental law
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Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) law
Skills & knowledge
Solicitors 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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negotiating skills
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problem-solving skills
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writing skills
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confidence in their own judgement
Entry requirements
To become a solicitor 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. Maths and accounting are useful for commercial and tax law.
In 2008 a Law in Schools Project was introduced to provide students with a basic introduction to the New Zealand legal system.
Tertiary education
As well as a Bachelor of Laws, useful subjects can include political science, languages or subjects related to the area a solicitor wishes to work in.
Training on the job
Many skills are gained on the job and the New Zealand Law Society offers a continuing legal education programme.
Useful experience
Useful experience for solicitors includes general legal work, research work or public sector experience.
Related courses
Business and Commercial Law
Constitutional Law
Criminal Law
Family Law
Justice Administration
Legal Practice
Taxation Law
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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