Working in Law

As more and more of New Zealand’s lawyers are plundered abroad real vacuums are appearing in the legal talent pool. Adding to the shortage is the fact that many Kiwi lawyers who venture overseas move into commercial roles and are not returning as practising lawyers. All this adds up to a fight for legal talent in New Zealand.

There is equally strong demand across private practice firms and in house roles alike with those returning from the UK having the pick of roles. Employers are offering extremely flexible and competitive packages to get the best talent with buy-outs, relocation and other incentives becoming increasingly common. Many employers are now offering more flexi-time, work from home and part-time work to induce staff who have other strong interests outside of work.

Where people are getting work

The Auckland market

There is heavy demand in private practice particularly for lawyers with three plus years’ experience. For those returning, or arriving, from the UK there is no issue with not having a pre-existing network and your international experience is considered a major plus. The international experience in hot demand at present is mergers and acquisitions and banking and finance.

The Wellington market

With the Government being located in Wellington many larger corporates like to keep a strong legal presence. This means that there are many in house roles in great companies like ANZ National Bank, Contact Energy and Telecom to name a few.
There is also an acute shortage of professionals with expertise in hot areas like carbon trading and international competition law.

What people earn and how it stacks up

Salaries in New Zealand have risen significantly over recent years as skills shortages have bitten companies not offering competitive salaries.

To find out your NZ market worth, contact one of our consultants today.

Things you need to know to make the most of it

Don’t dismiss private practice

Many lawyers returning from the UK often immediately dismiss going back into private practice. However, if you are unsure what career or industry you wish to pursue on your return private practice can offer a good alternative. They provide the ability to work across multiple industries as well as develop your contact base quickly.

You only get one shot

New Zealand is a small market with a limited number of employers. So while overseas there may be 50 multinational investment banks to work for in New Zealand there might be five and they all know each other. Putting your best foot forward is key and this means having done your research on the companies that you either want to work for or are interviewing with.

It's not a case of spray and pray

The New Zealand employment market is small and you must carefully manage your job search to ensure that you do not end up applying for the same job twice. In the eyes of the employer this looks very unprofessional and at worst says if you can’t manage your job search how will you manage a job.

Manage your recruitment agencies

In New Zealand recruitment agencies are not allowed to send your details out to a client without your permission. However, this does not stop some doing just that. This can lead to a significant source of embarrassment if it happens and you do not know. Be very explicit to your agencies and manage them well.

Timing is everything

New Zealand virtually shuts up shop from Christmas until the end of January. If you are returning home in December and expect to walk into the perfect job immediately you may be disappointed. Hiring starts to pick up again in February so sit back and enjoy some back yard cricket and BBQ’s over the break.

Don't price yourself out of the market

If you have been overseas for a number of years and in particular in the UK, you will probably have been earning a lot more money in New Zealand dollars. It is important to recognise that you are not going to get paid as much in New Zealand and accept that.

UK experience is great but not everything

Our clients unanimously agreed that personality was the strongest influencer in the selection process. Therefore, it is important to be genuine and not brag about your UK experience.


To speak with one of our experienced New Zealand consultants, please contact us on nz@globalcareerlink.com.