[StevenC]

If any of you have made the move from the UK to NZ or anyone knows of someone who has please get in touch, I'd really appreciate picking your brains (not literally!)

Or if you are a NZ lawyer that'd be good too!

Thanks (in hope!)

Steve

:)

[GeordieLass]

Hi Steve

I can't help you but I am in the same position so consider this a bump. I plan to move to Christchurch from the UK in January. It looks like it's going to be quite costly to do the NZ version of the QLTT and get my qualifications assessed.

The NZ law society has a fair bit of information:

http://www.nz-lawsoc.org.nz/oslpractisenzlaw.asp

but if you do find someone with on the ground info then let me know.

[StevenC]

I'm finding the real difficulty is that 99% of legal recruitment agents will not even look at CVs unless you have secured residency or a work permit and what's the big helping hand in getting either of these?

....A JOB!

It's a vicious circle as legal professionals aren't on the skills shortage list.

I was lucky enough to get a telephone interview last year for an in-house position and despite encouraging feedback the job went to a native Kiwi which I wasn't at all surprised at.

I have decided to go and spend three weeks there this October on a job hunt. I'm relentlessly looking at jobs via the 'net but it can be frustrating to get the brush off before an agent has even seen your CV. Many are paid via commission though and there's no quick buck in assisting an overseas candidate. However, I'm sure there's an agency out there somewhere who are willing to assist.........now to find them!

I'll pass on any useful info.

Steve

[GeordieLass]

Have you tried these people:

Legal Personnel Ltd (http://www.legalpersonnel.co.nz/)
P O Box 2432, Shortland Street, Auckland

I was flying out to Ibiza recently, on my own as my friends were already out there, and got chatting to the guy next to me on the plane. Coincidentally, he was a kiwi and his sister runs the above legal recruiting firm. I have sent them my cv but I am at a bit of an early stage, having not yet applied for my visa.

Not sure if they'll be able to help me as I am looking in Christchurch rather than Auckland but it's useful to have a link to someone, however tenuous.

What sort of law do you do at the moment and where?