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Admission requirements to practice law in New Zealand vary depending on where you obtained your law degree, whether you have ever been called to the bar and where you live. Master`s degree not otherwise stated, awarded after a bachelor`s degree/honours bachelor`s degree Master of Engineering (MEng) as the first degree Some foreign-trained lawyers may practise in New Zealand in certain circumstances. For example, an internationally trained lawyer may appear before a New Zealand court if his or her expertise is required in the law of another country, or he or she may practise in the law of that country in New Zealand. Otherwise, unless their law degree is recognised by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education, foreign-trained lawyers must take part of a New Zealand LLB course and continue to become a member of the Law Society of New Zealand. The parts of the LLB that need to be completed are assessed by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education. New Zealand`s legal system is based on the common law system and the process to become a lawyer is similar to that of many other common law countries. The difference is that the recognition of foreign-trained lawyers and law degrees obtained outside New Zealand is higher than in other countries. To become a lawyer in New Zealand, students must first complete a Bachelor of Laws at university, known as an LLB. The majority of students choose to do this as their first degree, but if you already have a degree, you can often skip the first year, known as Part I. Here are some frequently asked questions about foreign lawyers. Detailed information on visa and permit requirements, advice on employment rights in New Zealand during studies and reporting requirements are available from the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be found on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz The United States has a fundamentally different legal system than New Zealand, This makes the transition between the two jurisdictions quite difficult. In addition, each state has its own bar exam and therefore different rules for admission requirements. Postal: The Law Society of New South Wales 170 Phillip Street, Sydney 2000 DX 362 SYDNEY There are two institutions offering the Professional Legal Studies course in New Zealand; the Institute of Professional Legal Studies and the College of Law.

This course lasts 13 weeks full-time and builds on the legal knowledge gained during the LLB and provides students with the additional knowledge needed to practice law. Australian lawyers applying to practise on their own account in New Zealand will be considered to meet the requirements of self-practice if they satisfy the Law Society that they are entitled to practise in one or more Australian jurisdictions in a manner “equivalent or materially equivalent” to the practice on their own account or as sole counsel in New Zealand. Street: Level 6/111 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000. The final part of becoming a lawyer in New Zealand is to apply for and obtain an articling certificate from the Law Society of New Zealand. This is a simple form, and if no objections or additional information are required, it will take a few weeks to process and should be done within three months of admission to the High Court`s list of advocates. To practise in Canada, an application to the National Accreditation Committee (NCC) is required. After that, there is a 6-8 week waiting period while the NCA assesses your references and then informs you of any gaps you may have in your legal training in relation to the Canadian jurisdiction. The NCA will assign you specific courses that you must complete before you receive a Certificate of Qualification.

This certificate is then used to apply to a Canadian law society in the province where you wish to work. New Zealand lawyers working in foreign jurisdictions where they are not or not yet admitted/entitled may be required to register as foreign lawyers and, as such, be regulated by the host jurisdiction. Diets vary, so it`s worth checking in advance. Here is a table to illustrate the salary range for lawyers in New Zealand. Detailed information on entitlements to publicly funded health services is available from the Ministry of Health and can be found on its website at www.moh.govt.nz A lawyer licensed abroad may use the description used in his home country, provided that the connection to that jurisdiction is clear. However, due to the provisions of § 21 LCA, it is important to be careful with any description and avoid confusion or misperception of a person`s regulatory status. The Law Society regularly receives inquiries about what legal services qualified overseas lawyers can provide in New Zealand and how they can describe themselves. Applications come from foreign lawyers who wish to work in New Zealand, companies who wish to hire them, and members of the public who deal with qualified foreign lawyers. Information for New Zealand practitioners in Victoria If you are an Australian practitioner with a current practicum certificate, please read the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Admission Regulations 2008.

However, there is an exception to areas reserved only for foreign lawyers. Section 25 of the ACA provides that a member of the legal profession may do the following in another jurisdiction: Only a licensed “lawyer” or promoter (or a person working under the direct supervision of a lawyer or freight forwarder) may provide transmission services. If you are a licensed High Court of New Zealand lawyer living and working in another jurisdiction, you can apply for a New Zealand Internship Certificate. You may hold a New Zealand internship certificate at the same time as an internship certificate in another jurisdiction. You can also contact the High Court of New Zealand for more information. Once you know which exam(s) you need to take, you can enroll in the college`s support program, which serves as a guide for foreign lawyers sitting on the NZLPE. New Zealand lawyers can apply for registration (certificate of admission and practice) in any Australian state and territory under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA). The TTMRA offers an expedited process, just like for Australian practitioners who want to be admitted here. All countries have their own rules for the practice of law. Always be sure to check them before moving abroad.

New Zealand lawyers wishing to practise abroad must comply with both the New Zealand regulatory system under the Lawyers and Carriers Act 2006 and the relevant regulatory requirements in the foreign jurisdiction. Please click on this link to download the rules. New Zealand lawyers (i.e. holders of a professional certificate in force in New Zealand) are regulated by the New Zealand Law Society. If they provide legal services in another jurisdiction from their place of business in New Zealand or establish a commercial presence in another jurisdiction, they are also subject to the regulatory system of that jurisdiction. You should check with the relevant regulatory authority in that country to find out what regulatory requirements apply. You may be asked to register as a foreign lawyer or take qualifying exams. Postal: Law Society House, 179 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 If you have a valid internship certificate in New Zealand, it`s easy to work in Australia. Under the Trans-Tasmanian mutual recognition system, New Zealanders are entitled to an expedited procedure to obtain a traineeship certificate in Australia. Since application requirements vary from state to state, initial applications should be directed to the appropriate regulatory authority. Information on how to become a lawyer in Queensland The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident cover to all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be held liable for all other medical and related expenses. For more information, visit the CCA website at www.acc.co.nz There is a wide range of legal services that can be provided by individuals who do not hold a current articling certificate in New Zealand.

Only lawyers can offer a limited range of services (these are called “work areas” for lawyers).