[kateblake]

Hello. This is a great site. So glad to find it.

I have just completed a GDL (used to be called CPE) conversion course in law in London. I have a BA, MSc and PhD in Political Science and International Politics from UK universities. In the UK, the combination of a degree plus the GDL/CPE equals a law degree. You can then, like anyone who has a 3 year law degree, either do an LPC (to become a solicitor) or a BVC (to become a barrister).

I am trying to decide whether to move to NZ now or later. My partner is Kiwi and we can move anytime. I am wondering whether it is better to go now and do more courses to then qualify over there, or to qualify here (London) and practice for a few years before going over.

Does anyone know what is involved if you have a GDL - how is that viewed in NZ?

Also, what additional study/work is involved if you have been practicing as an employment barrister, say, and then move to NZ.

I know I can get my qualifications assessed for $775(NZ) I would just really like a rough idea before spending the money.

Any other info about practicing law - especially social welfare law in NZ would be very helpful.

Thanks.

Kate.

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Kate

My Husband is doing the 6 core subjects required to re qualify here, he has done 2 and hopes to complete the other 4 this year - he says its just like doing your law degree again without support ! Its costly and time consuming.

He did his llb and LPC in the UK , there isn't an LPC here and it seems to be replaced by a 3 months professional skills course fortunately the amount of time he has been qualified got him out of that little joy.

Law graduates don't do a training contracts in NZ but degrees tend to be 4 rather than 3 years.

I wish I could be more positive about it all but I can't there is no reciprocal agreement between the 2 countries so kiwi lawyers work in London with very little effort and British lawyers do their law degree again in NZ.

As for finding work here its virtually impossible until you have requalified although some of the large firms will take commercial trained, its best to get any job in a related feild to get that all important NZ work experience make the contacts and hopefully something will come up when you have requalified. We are in Auckland and everyone knows everyone. Richard did litigation for Eversheds in the Uk and is now doing litigation for an insurance firm, he actually enjoys his job and best of all no chargeable hours!

So to sum up its hard slog and we knew before we came what would be involved but he loves it here and despite the endless study he wouldn't go back

If you have any specific questions PM me and I will get him to reply, not sure if my waffle has helped.

Michelle