Law students learn to think clearly, reason logically, and analyse complex information. You will get used to working with clients, cases, legislation, and legal principles while also exploring how the law shapes and is shaped by - interpretation, society, politics, and history.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have a strong foundation in legal reasoning, essay writing skills and a broad understanding of how the law works in real life. These are skills that employers across many industries value highly. All of that is well and good, but the next part comes to when you use the degree.
Skills Law Graduates Bring to the Table
A law degree develops a powerful combination of practical, academic, and professional skills. These typically include:
Critical analysis of complex information
The ability to evaluate and synthesise ideas
A grounding in fairness, ethics, and justice
Problem-solving and sound judgment
Understanding of Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal system and its global context
Clear, persuasive writing and speaking skills
Confident presentation skills
Self-management and teamwork
The ability to keep learning as the law evolves
Discipline, resilience, and meeting deadlines
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Most students also gain experience through internships, summer or winter clerkships, competitions (like mooting), community legal volunteering, and other hands-on opportunities. These give you a taste of real legal work in a real workplace, help you build confidence and strengthen your employability.
Where Do Law Graduates Work?
Many students study law with the goal of becoming a barrister or solicitor, but that’s only one pathway. Before choosing a direction, it’s worth thinking about:
Do you see yourself at a large national firm or a smaller regional practice?
Does an in-house legal team appeal more than private practice?
Are you interested in becoming a self-employed barrister?
Careers Beyond Traditional Legal Practice
A law degree is also a strong foundation for roles in:
Government policy and advisory work
Public sector organisations such as Police, Corrections, Immigration, Customs, or Kāinga Ora
Finance and commercial businesses
Media, publishing, and communications
Health and safety
Education, research, or advocacy
Community-based and non-profit organisations
Law graduates are valued for their analytical strength, communication skills, and ability to navigate complex systems — all qualities that translate well outside the courtroom.
Examples of Jobs Law Graduates Move Into
Here are some of the roles you might find law graduates moving into (note - some paths require additional training or postgraduate study):
Legal Practice - Barrister or Solicitor
Advising clients on legal issues
Preparing court documents and submissions
Representing clients in negotiations and hearings
Drafting contracts, wills, leases, and other documents
Handling property transactions
Specialising in areas like commercial law, family law, environmental law, immigration, litigation, and more
Government Policy Analyst or Advisor
Researching issues affecting society, law, or governance
Examining current policy settings
Recommending changes to legislation or regulatory frameworks
In-House Lawyer or Legal Counsel
Managing a company’s legal obligations
Reviewing and drafting contracts
Advising on regulatory compliance and risk
Court Officer
Supporting the day-to-day functioning of courts
Managing files and scheduling proceedings
Assisting judges and court users
Community Lawyer
Providing affordable or free legal advice
Connecting clients with social and legal support services
Advocating for people who face barriers to accessing justice
Prosecutor (Police or Crown)
Conducting criminal and traffic prosecutions
Representing the state in court
Supporting police investigations and inquests
Public Defence Lawyer
Representing clients facing criminal charges
Ensuring access to justice and fair court processes
Māori Resource Advisor
Working with Treaty of Waitangi claims
Applying natural resource law to Māori interests and assets
Judge’s Clerk
Researching legal issues for judges
Drafting memoranda and helping prepare judgments
Assisting with speeches and administrative tasks
Business and Commercial Roles
Business development
Compliance and risk
Operations and strategy
Entrepreneurship or leading start-ups
Legal Support Roles
Legal administrators
Law clerks
Client services roles
Document drafting and case preparation
What Professional Pathways Are Required to Become a Lawyer?
If your goal is to practise as a lawyer in Aotearoa New Zealand, you must:
Complete an LLB degree
Undertake practical legal training
Meet the required character and fitness standards
Be admitted to the bar and obtain a practising certificate through the Law Society
Professional Networks and Organisations
Once qualified, lawyers often join industry associations to stay informed and connected. These include:
New Zealand Law Society
New Zealand Bar Association
Public Service Association
In-House Lawyers Association
Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa
Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook are also great tools for staying updated on events, job opportunities, and legal developments.
Summary
A law degree is far more versatile than many students realise. It can lead to a traditional legal career — but it can also be the launchpad for work in policy, business, community advocacy, and countless other areas. If you enjoy critical thinking, care about fairness, and want a degree that opens multiple pathways, law is a powerful place to start.
Learning more from your local law school is always a good place to start, otherwise feel free to reach out to Sam on 027 5665 707 for a confidential intro call to discuss your career in the law.
