Lawyer salaries in New Zealand: Top roles and pay

Key takeaways:

• The average lawyer salary in New Zealand is $93k per year, with significant variation based on role and experience.
• General Counsel positions are the highest-paid legal roles, earning $175k–$185k annually.
• Entry-level lawyers typically earn $65k-$75k, with clear progression to senior roles.
• Location significantly impacts earnings, with lawyers in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch generally earn more than those in smaller cities.

Thinking about a career in law in New Zealand and wondering how much do lawyers get paid? Then, you are in the right place. Law remains one of the highest-earning professions in the country, and demand for legal skills continues to grow. As more sectors require specialised legal support, the legal profession continues to grow rapidly across the country. 

This article provides an overview of the highest-paying legal jobs in New Zealand, including typical salary ranges for each role. Whether you’re a recent law graduate or a professional thinking about a career change, this article gives you a clear snapshot of the current legal job market. It also provides insights into the average lawyer salary in New Zealand across different positions. 

Here’s what we will cover: 

Lawyer jobs and average salaries in New Zealand  

How much do lawyers make in New Zealand?

Highest paying lawyer roles in New Zealand

Explore more about legal salaries in New Zealand

Lawyer jobs and average salaries in New Zealand

Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying lawyer jobs, along with the average lawyer salary in New Zealand: 

How much do lawyers make in New Zealand? 

Lawyers in New Zealand earn an average of $93k per year. Entry-level lawyers such as law clerks typically earn in the range of $65k–$75k. Senior roles such as legal counsel can command $120k–$140k. At the top of the hierarchy, positions like General Counsel earn from $175k–$185k. 

To become a lawyer in New Zealand, you need to complete a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from a recognised university, followed by the Professional Legal Studies Course (PLSC). After that, you must be admitted to the bar and obtain a practising certificate from the New Zealand Law Society.  

 Once qualified, lawyers represent clients in legal proceedings, provide advice on their rights and obligations, and prepare key legal documents. Depending on their specialisation, they may handle cases related to business, family law, property, or other areas. They also conduct research and present structured arguments in court or other formal settings. 

Let's break down these top-paying positions in more detail, starting with what you can expect to earn and what each role entails. 

Highest paying lawyer roles in New Zealand 

Here are the top-paying lawyer roles in New Zealand: 

• General Counsel
• Legal Counsel
• Solicitor
• Barrister 

The earning potential can vary depending on your role, the sector in which you work, and your level of experience. Location is another key factor that influences earnings. Lawyers working in major cities, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, often earn more. This is due to higher living costs and the concentration of corporate headquarters, government agencies, and large firms.  

Let's take a closer look at these roles 

General counsels’ salary 

General counsel roles typically earn $175k-$185k per year. They are the chief legal officers of an organisation, responsible for overseeing all legal matters and guiding executives on strategy, risk, and compliance. They manage contracts, regulatory requirements, and intellectual property and coordinate both in-house and external legal teams.  

Legal counsels’ salary 

Legal Counsel positions usually offer salaries in the range of $120k-$140k per year. Legal counsels advise and represent organisations or individuals on legal matters, helping management navigate risks and ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 

They draft and review contracts, negotiate deals, and provide guidance on complex legal issues. This role also involves creating company-wide legal policies, providing training, and coordinating with internal teams or advisors. 

Solicitors’ salary 

Solicitors in New Zealand generally earn $90k-$110k, depending on their experience and area of practice. Solicitors work directly with clients across a wide range of legal matters, providing advice and preparing essential legal documents.  

Their work often involves detailed research, negotiating settlements, and managing tasks such as drafting contracts, wills, and property-related documents. Solicitors need strong analytical abilities along with excellent communication and writing skills, since they frequently act as the first point of contact for clients. 

Barristers’ salary

For barristers in New Zealand, typical earnings sit at $55k-$75k per year. Barristers are specialist advocates who focus on courtroom work, complex disputes, and expert legal opinions. They practise independently often from shared chambers and are not part of a law firm.  

Many are instructed by solicitors rather than hired directly by clients, especially for high-stakes or complex matters. With increasing experience, a strong reputation, and a steady stream of referrals, barristers may earn more than the base range over time.

Explore more about legal salaries in New Zealand

Plan your next move with the details that matter. With SEEK’s Explore Careers, you can check New Zealand job opportunities, salary expectations, trend data, and what it takes to get hired.

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.