10 reasons to move your legal career to New Zealand

Are you considering relocating to New Zealand for legal jobs? We spoke with our national legal recruitment team to explore why New Zealand is an excellent destination for legal professionals.

Why you should move your legal career to New Zealand

1. Huge demand for legal professionals

Over the last year or so, the demand for legal professionals has rapidly been increasing in New Zealand. This has been caused by large transactional activity in New Zealand as well as a decrease in travel due to Covid-19. This has resulted in the increase of legal roles in the market but a shortage of candidates to meet this demand. This demand can be seen across majority of legal disciplines from private practice, to in-house legal and public sector positions. 

2. Fast track to partnership

With a smaller market and less competition in comparison to other markets, your track to partnership can be quicker in New Zealand. Those with experience at top firms overseas often find they can make partner within 2 – 3 years. In smaller cities or rural towns, partnership can be a possibility even earlier. 

3. International experience highly sought after 

Those currently working in top firms across the globe, in cities such as New York, London, or Sydney, find their experience is viewed favourably when returning to New Zealand. Lawyers working in these and other international cities usually have exposure to transactions that aren’t common in New Zealand. Often lawyers with such experience warrant higher salaries and more senior role titles. 

4. Increased salaries for legal professionals

The competition for top talent has driven lawyer salaries higher in New Zealand. Leading law firms have raised base salaries by around 10% and offer additional benefits such as sign-on bonuses, relocation support, work-from-home allowances, and more. For lawyers seeking a rewarding career move, New Zealand offers both financial and professional growth opportunities. Discover salary benchmarks for legal professionals in our Salary Guide.

5. Favourable workplace culture

New Zealand employers are renowned for promoting a healthy and team-focussed environment for all employees. Organisations are driven by values and though what this encompasses may vary from place to place, there is always a large emphasis on workplace culture and collaboration. Employers support and take care of team members and ensure employees are proud to be part of the organisation. This supportive culture is a key benefit of working in law in New Zealand.

6. Opportunities to grow specialist areas

There are areas of law that most New Zealand law firms do not have specialist teams in place for yet. Most commonly in areas such as privacy, technology, energy, and infrastructure. Legal professionals with specialist knowledge have the chance to lead and develop these growing practice areas within their firm, offering unique opportunities to shape the legal market trends in New Zealand. 

7. Work from home flexibility

Covid saw many organisations adjust to working from home and other flexible work options. As a result of this New Zealand employers have adjusted and understood the value of providing flexible working arrangements for their employees. 

8. Better work-life balance

Lawyers in New Zealand benefit from hybrid working options, well-being allowances, and reduced billable hour targets, particularly in smaller or regional firms. This focus on flexibility makes relocating to New Zealand for legal jobs an attractive choice for those seeking a better balance between professional and personal life.

9. Competitive public sector salaries

Lawyers within New Zealand's public sector departments are now receiving higher salaries than in the public sector overseas. In general, public sector roles in New Zealand have more attractive salaries in comparison to public sector positions overseas and this includes public sector legal salaries. The increase in demand has also contributed to this with more lawyers securing salaries at the top of salary bands.

10. Wide range of legal opportunities

The legal market in New Zealand remains robust. From Covid-19 response projects to increased transactional activity, there are opportunities across all areas of law. Whether you're in corporate law, litigation, or a niche field, you're likely to find a role that suits your expertise in New Zealand.

Benefits of working in New Zealand's legal sector

New Zealand’s legal sector offers competitive salaries, faster career progression, and opportunities to develop expertise in emerging areas like privacy and technology law. Lawyers enjoy a strong work-life balance, supportive workplace cultures, and flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive destination for legal professionals worldwide.

Discover key insights into the New Zealand legal landscape with our latest Legal Market Overview. 

Start your job search by exploring the latest legal opportunities.