ANY UK SOLICITORS NOW WORKING IN NZ

michelle

Hi

We are taking a huge gamble and it would be great to hear from anyone who has done similar. Having said that I think most people on this web site have taken a risk in one way or another !

I am a nurse so can hopefully secure residency on that and my husband is a solicitor. Despite OZ presenting better work oportunities our heart is very much in NZ having lived there before. Has anyone completed the requalifiaction process and now working as a lawyer? We would love to hear about your experiences and mainly to know that it can be done.

Shellie

martwend · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 8:14 pm Post subject:

Hi,

No such thing as a UK solicitor since English and Scottish law are completely different. However, NZ law is based on English law so it shouldn't be too difficult to re-qualify. I know of a South African lawyer going through the process right now. i am a Scottish lawyer but more than happy to be out of the rat race and try something different once all the children are at school.

Your hubby should contact the NZ Law Society who I am sure will be able to help. Most of all, just get here! You would have to carry me back to the plane kicking and screaming before I would leave here!

Wendy Laughing

michelle · Posted: Sun Jun 13, 2004 8:41 pm Post subject:

Hi Wendy

Thanks for the reply. Richard (Michelle's husband) here. I have had my qualifications assessed by the NZLS and have been told I need to do the 6 NZ Law & Practice exams, together with an ethics course. I've been told that this is pretty standard for English (and presumably Scottish!) lawyers. Did you have to undertake these, and if so, how did you find them?

The situation is not helped in that I practise defendant employer's and public liability law over here, all be it for a large firm. It's generally the area that ACC deal with over there. What area do you practise in?

We're heading to Auckland and hope there may be more opportunties in a large (relatively) city. There was actually an advert for Russell McVeagh in this week's Lawyer - I've sent my CV off but I think it's predominantly aimed at people with commercial experience.

I have been advised that there will be possibilities in Auckland getting experience working in the Courts and Tribunals, whilst I requalify over there, so hope this another option.

I'd be grateful for any observations you may have.

Richard