University of Otago

What you'll study

The LLB curriculum at Otago combines doctrinal study of core legal subjects with skills-based learning and opportunities for applied experience. Students typically progress through Stage I (introductory) to advanced Stage II and Stage III papers, covering foundational areas and specialised electives.

• Core subjects: Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Equity and Trusts, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Evidence, and Legal Research and Writing.
• Commercial and regulatory law: Commercial Law, Company Law, Commercial Transactions, Tax, Employment Law and Competition/Consumer law.
• Public and international law: Public Law, Human Rights, International Law, Environmental and Resource Management Law, Treaty and Indigenous rights.
• Skills and procedure: Legal Method, Advocacy and Mooting, Civil and Criminal Procedure, Negotiation and Client Interviewing, and Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
• Applied learning: Clinic placements, externships, internships and opportunities to work on real files under supervision, plus research projects or a dissertation for eligible students.

Students may choose to study the LLB as a single degree or conjointly with another undergraduate degree. Electives and advanced papers allow specialisation in areas such as commercial law, public law, environmental law, health law or international law.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate LLB usually follows standard University of Otago undergraduate entry requirements. School leavers must meet the national university entrance criteria applicable in New Zealand or present equivalent international qualifications. Applicants are expected to have a strong academic record and competence in English.

Other entry routes include admission after completion of tertiary study, transfer from another university programme, or enrolment in a conjoint degree. Mature students and applicants with previous tertiary study are assessed on their academic record and the relevance of prior study. Academic advising at Otago can clarify pathways and any prerequisite papers recommended before beginning specialist law papers.

Career prospects

Graduates with an LLB from Otago pursue a wide range of careers in the law and related fields. The degree is the primary academic qualification for those seeking admission to the New Zealand legal profession, which also requires completion of the Professional Legal Studies course and admission procedures.

• Private practice: solicitor, barrister, or both, working in law firms across practice areas such as litigation, family law, commercial law and property law.
• In-house and corporate roles: legal counsel, compliance officer, contract manager and regulatory affairs roles in businesses and institutions.
• Public sector and policy: roles in central and local government, regulatory bodies, public inquiries and policy development.
• Advocacy and community work: positions with NGOs, community law centres and iwi, including roles focused on human rights, environmental law and Treaty-related matters.
• Alternative careers: mediation and dispute resolution, academia and legal research, journalism, and commercial careers where legal training and analytical skills are valued.

Many graduates combine the LLB with further study (for example postgraduate LLM programmes) or the professional legal training required for admission to practice.

Why study at University of Otago

Otago Law School is housed within a university known for its strong student community and research strengths. Studying law at Otago offers access to experienced academic staff, research-active scholars, and an environment that emphasises both doctrinal learning and practical skills.

• Clinical and practical opportunities: Students can engage in supervised clinics, externships and mooting, gaining hands-on experience and client-facing skills.
• Interdisciplinary options: Conjoint degrees and cross-faculty electives enable study of law alongside disciplines such as commerce, health sciences, social sciences and languages.
• Support and employability: Careers services, moot teams, and employer engagement events help students prepare for legal careers and secure internships and graduate roles.
• Regional and comparative perspectives: Otago’s location and research programmes provide particular strengths in areas such as environmental law, public law, and issues relating to indigenous rights and the Treaty context.

Prospective students should consult Otago’s official law school pages and academic advisers for detailed information on course planning, prerequisites and steps required for legal admission after graduation.