FAQs - Lawyers
Q: I am looking to work overseas as a lawyer. What are some of the basic requirements I need to practice overseas?
A: You will be competing with lawyers from many different countries and more importantly, against lawyers with local experience. The firms therefore set the bar high when considering non-local lawyers. They usually expect you to be current working in a top tier firm and have graduated from law with at least Honours 2:1.
Generally lawyers with between 2 – 6 years post qualified experience will be most well received, however this largely depends on the requirements of each firm from time to time and for what area of law. Usually areas of law that are most transferable are all forms of corporate, banking and finance and intellectual property law. Taxation and litigation are generally difficult areas to transfer. Property has traditionally been a difficult area to transfer, however some firms are now considering overseas qualified lawyers for these roles.
Q:As a New Zealander, am I able to practice in Australia?
A: The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (Cth) 1997 allows all persons admitted in New Zealand who holds a current New Zealand practising certificate to be admitted to the High Court of Australia and obtain a practising certificate in Australia.
You cannot obtain an Australian practising certificate if you do not hold a "current" New Zealand practising certificate. If you don’t have one, you will need to renew your New Zealand practising certificate first, then apply to be admitted to the High Court of Australia and finally then apply to obtain an Australian practising certificate.
Q: As an Australian, am I able to practice in New Zealand?
A: The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act (Cth) 1997 allows all
persons admitted in Australia who hold a current Australian practising
certificate to be admitted to the High Court of New Zealand and obtain a
practising certificate in New Zealand.
You cannot obtain a New Zealand practising certificate if you do not hold a
"current" Australian practising certificate. If you don't have one, you will
need to renew your Australian practising certificate first, then apply to be
admitted to the High Court of New Zealand and finally then apply to obtain a New
Zealand practising certificate.
Q: I am an overseas lawyer looking to work in New Zealand. What are some of
the basic requirements I need to practice in New Zealand?
A: Usually you must have a valid work or residence permits and approval
to practice in New Zealand. If you would like immigration or visa information we
recommend that you contact the New Zealand Immigration Service
www.immigration.govt.nz.
Occasionally, we can assist with securing offers of employment from employers
conditional on you gaining approval to work from Immigration New Zealand.
In addition, we recommend that you contact the New Zealand Law Society and
obtain details of their criteria for admission to legal practice within New
Zealand www.nzls.org.nz and the New Zealand Council of Legal Education
www.nzcle.org.nz/overseas_qualifications.html for further information.