Before entering the profession, there are a number of factors that can influence how easily you secure your first role.
Academic performance still plays an important role, particularly when applying for graduate or summer clerk positions. Many law firms use grades as an initial screening tool simply because they receive a large volume of applications.
However, grades are not the only measure that matters. While strong academic results can open doors early on, firms are increasingly looking at the broader picture — including personality, work ethic, and practical skills.
Graduates who may not have top-tier grades can still build strong careers by demonstrating other valuable attributes.
Interviewing is an important skill that is rarely taught during university.
Law firms are often assessing more than just your knowledge of the law. They are also considering how you communicate, how you approach problems, and whether you would fit well within the team.
Preparation can make a significant difference. Understanding the firm’s practice areas, reflecting on your experiences, and being able to speak confidently about your motivations all contribute to a stronger interview performance.
While university teaches the foundations of legal theory, the day-to-day work of a lawyer involves a range of practical technical skills. These may include:
Early exposure to these skills — through internships, clerkships, or part-time work — can make the transition into practice significantly smoother.
Law is ultimately a profession built on communication and persuasion.
Whether advising clients, negotiating with opposing counsel, or drafting legal arguments, your ability to explain complex issues clearly is a key professional skill.
Graduates who develop strong written and verbal communication early tend to progress more quickly in practice.
The transition from university to practice can be one of the most challenging adjustments in a legal career.
Your first role may or may not be in your preferred area of law - and that is perfectly normal.
Many graduates begin in practice areas they had not previously considered. Over time, they discover interests and strengths that guide future career decisions.
The early goal is often less about finding the “perfect” role and more about gaining solid foundational experience.
For most graduates, the next milestone is admission to the bar.
During this period, you may work as a law clerk or graduate solicitor while completing the requirements for admission. This stage provides valuable exposure to legal practice and helps develop professional confidence.
Admission represents an important step, but it is really just the beginning of your legal career.
Once admitted, lawyers begin accumulating post-qualification experience (PQE).
PQE is a common benchmark used across the legal industry. When roles are advertised, they are often described in terms of experience levels such as:
This framework helps firms understand roughly where a lawyer sits in their professional development.
In your early years, the focus is largely on building on-file experience.
This means actively working on matters, developing technical ability, and gaining exposure to real legal issues rather than purely administrative tasks.
The more meaningful experience you gain early on, the stronger your professional foundation will become.
At some point, many lawyers begin to consider whether their current role aligns with their long-term goals.
Changing law firms is a common part of legal careers. Lawyers may move to:
Approaching a job move strategically can make a significant difference. Speaking with experienced legal recruiters who understand the New Zealand market can help you navigate the process confidentially and effectively.
(This is an area where a search firm such as Chisholm Clarke can provide guidance to lawyers considering their next step.)
Many New Zealand lawyers also choose to spend time working overseas.
Cities such as London, Sydney, and Melbourne are common destinations for lawyers looking to broaden their experience. International work can provide exposure to larger transactions, different legal systems, and global clients.
For many lawyers, this period becomes an important professional and personal experience.
After gaining overseas experience, a large number of lawyers eventually return to New Zealand.
Returning lawyers often bring valuable international exposure, which can enhance their career opportunities in the local market.
As lawyers gain experience, career decisions begin to focus more on long-term direction.
Some lawyers choose to specialise deeply in one area of law, while others prefer broader exposure across multiple practice areas. Both paths can lead to successful careers, depending on your interests and goals. The key factor is continuing to build experience that develops both technical capability and commercial awareness.
Another common career decision involves moving in-house.
Private practice offers exposure to a wide range of clients and legal matters, often with structured progression toward partnership. In-house roles involve working directly within a company, providing legal advice as part of the organisation’s internal team. Both paths have advantages, and many lawyers transition between the two throughout their careers.
When starting out, it can be difficult to picture where your career will lead. However, it can still be useful to ask yourself one simple question:
Where do you think you might want to be in 10–15 years?
Some lawyers aim to become partners in private practice. Others aspire to leadership roles within companies, government, or the judiciary. Some pursue specialist expertise in a particular field.
Your goals may change over time - and that is completely normal. The important thing is to remain thoughtful about the experience you are gaining along the way. Each role, each file, and each professional relationship contributes to the direction your career eventually takes.
Starting a legal career can feel complex, but it is ultimately a process that unfolds over time.
Early academic performance, developing strong communication skills, gaining practical experience, and making thoughtful career decisions all play a part in shaping your path. The New Zealand legal profession offers a wide range of opportunities - whether in private practice, in-house roles, or international careers. For graduates entering the profession, the most valuable approach is to stay curious, remain open to learning, and focus on building strong professional foundations.
Over time, those foundations often lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career in law.
If you would like to learn more about a career in law, contact Sam on 0275665707 or sam@chisholmclarke.co.nz for a confidential discussion today.
