Corporate/Government Lawyer - How to get into this job
Poutoko Ture Kaipakihi/Karauna
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.
Get help with choosing school subjectsTertiary 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.
