Featured items

There are no featured items on this page

Barrister - How to get into this job

Roia Kōti

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.

Get help with choosing school subjects

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.

Relevant courses

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.

"For someone at school I would say do as much public speaking as you can. For those at law school, do courses in trial advocacy and evidence because these are really relevant to the work of barristers."

Melinda Mason - Barrister

Previous page - Personal requirements

Next page - Working conditions

Updated May 2009

Return to page navigation menu