Download the Admission Pack in PDF format (Warning: this is a large file and may be slow to download and print).

Download the Mandatory Timelines for the next round of admissions.

To become a lawyer in New Zealand, you must:

• complete a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) or LLB (Honours) degree approved by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education (NZCLE)
• complete the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC) at either the Institute of Professional Legal Studies or the College of Law
• obtain a certificate of completion from the NZCLE
• be admitted to the roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand hold a current practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS).

People without current practising certificates cannot describe themselves as lawyers if they are providing legal services.

A person holding a New Zealand law degree or an overseas lawyer who has come through the NZCLE process seeking admission under the LCA must first apply to:

• the NZCLE for a certificate of completion; and
• the NZLS for a certificate of character.

The application for admission must include:

• an originating application, made by counsel who moves the admission of the candidate, in form LA1
• an affidavit in support, sworn by the candidate, in form LA2 (for candidates who hold a New Zealand law degree) or form LA3 (for overseas lawyers)
• the required filing fee of $165 + GST.

Admission rules made under the LCA include prescribed forms to be used when filing an application for admission and sample forms are available for guidance and assistance of candidates.

The application for admission must be filed in the High Court at least one month before the scheduled admission, unless the registrar approves a late filing. Candidates should be aware of the provisions of the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004.

Certificates of character

District law societies will issue certificates of character on behalf of the NZLS. Candidates for admission should apply directly to their local society.

Generally, an application should be made at least three months before the date of the admission ceremony but dates will vary according to district.

If refused a certificate of completion and/or certificate of character, a candidate may use processes set out in the Admission rules.

Transitional provisions

Transitional provisions cover candidates who have filed an application for admission under the Law Practitioners Act 1982 but who were not admitted before the Act was repealed. As long as the High Court registrar is satisfied that the application in all material respects complies with the requirements of the new rules, applications made before 1 August 2008 will proceed as if made under the new rules.

More information

For more Admissions information, please refer to the following:

Admission rules

New Zealand Council of Legal Education

College of Law

Institute of Professional Legal Studies