This part-time programme is a nationally recognised qualification and consists of six courses of which at least three are offered per year on a rotating basis.

Courses:

• Introduction to the Legal System
• Introduction to Law Office Practice
• Property Law and Practice
• Business Law and Practice
• Estates Law and Practice
• Litigation Law and Practice

Courses may be offered in the evenings or during the day (lunchtime).

There is one main entry point per year: 

• February
• July (510 Introduction to Commercial Law only)

Most students elect to study one or two courses per year for a total of four years part-time study although the certificate can be completed in two years.

There are no formal entry requirements.  Students are accepted in the order in which completed enrolments are received.  Classes are limited in size. 

English Language Entry Requirement

Students are required to have attained an acceptable level of English language fluency.  This may be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including successful study in English, approved scores on TOEFL or IELTS tests, completion of accepted international equivalents, or completion of an EIT Hawke’s Bay assessment. 

Please contact the New Zealand Law Society for further information. 

Entry With Credit

You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study.  This may take a number of different forms including study while at high school, study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work.  If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning.

The completion of the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) Legal Executive Diploma can lead to employment opportunities in:

• The legal profession
• Law offices
• Banks
• Insurance offices
• Real Estate companies