Barrister
271111 · Sedentary Career data Verified
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They also do research, prepare legal documents and defend clients in criminal or civil court proceedings.
Most common salary $85k – $215k
Upper salary up to $383k
Training 4-5 years
Description
Pleads cases before civil, criminal and industrial courts and other tribunals.
Typical work tasks
- Receives written information in the form of briefs and verbal instructions concerning cases from solicitors, other specialist legal professionals and clients; provides advice and written opinions on points of law; confers with clients and witnesses in preparation for court proceedings; draws up pleadings, affidavits and other court documents; researches statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases; outlines the facts to the court, calls and questions witnesses, and makes addresses to the court to argue a client's case; provides opinion on complex legal issues; may draw up or settle documents.
Typical work environment
- Works indoors in legal offices, court offices, meeting rooms or courtroom environments.
- Travel may be required to attend court proceedings or meetings.
- Works in adequately heated, lit, ventilated and clean, well maintained office workspaces.
Typical physical and mental demands
- Sedentary physical demand.
- Employees frequently sit in courtrooms and offices.
- There is an occasional requirement for standing and walking around in court, chambers and surrounding offices.
- Lifting, carrying or pulling is not a significant feature of this job.
- Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using a computer or writing.
- Frequent use of tools, material and equipment including writing materials, dictaphones, court and legal files, reference books and on line information.
- Occasional driving in cars may be required if travelling to clients and courts.
- Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with legal, research, interpretation, analytical, evaluation, presentation, communication, interpersonal, writing, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.
Entry signal Reviewed
Requires a substantial formal qualification. A licence or registration is legally required.
Entry barrier Formal qualification
Licence / registration Licence/registration required
ANZSCO skill level 1
Next-day ready No
How this was determined (model-generated): Barrister: admission to High Court + practising certificate is a hard legal gate; licence required confirmed.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant tertiary qualification. In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). Employees need to be admitted to the role of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand. A lawyer wishing to start practising as a barrister has to have three years' prior legal experience in New Zealand in the last five years.
Further Comments
- There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.