Lawyer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
- Usually work in offices and courts
- May do emotionally demanding work
- Need to be organised, communicate well and identify and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Give legal advice to clients
- Prepare for court cases
- Represent clients in court
- Draft legal documents
- Review contracts and agreements
- Research legal cases
- Resolve disputes through discussion
- Negotiate settlement terms and amounts for clients
- Manage client relationships
Outlook
The legal profession is being influenced by digital transformation, evolving regulations and growing use of technology in legal services. In New Zealand and internationally, artificial intelligence and digital research tools are helping improve efficiency, while legal expertise remains essential for interpreting complex laws and advising clients. Demand for legal services continues across areas such as business, employment, property and dispute resolution.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Problem-solving and decision-making ability
- Ability to interpret complex information
- Professional judgement and ethical awareness
Professional registration
New Zealand Law Society
04 472 78 37
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.