Programme Overview 

The New Zealand Law Society Legal Executive Diploma is designed mainly for those wishing to work in law offices or in legal departments of government or commercial offices.

A legal executive works under the supervision of a lawyer in such areas as:

• the sale and purchase of land
• administration of estates of people who have died

They may be involved in drafting document such as:

• purchase agreements re properties or businesses
• tenancy agreements
• wills
• court documents for obtaining probate of a will
• other court documents

Legal executives must be honest and reliable, able to be trusted, and willing to observe all the rules and ethics of the legal profession including the obligation to keep matters confidential.

Programme Outline

Whitireia New Zealand offers the New Zealand Law Society's six Legal Executive Course papers from its Wellington City Campus, 107 Cuba Street (Lower Cuba Mall), Wellington

A student may study with us all or any of the following six papers:

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

If you would like more information about fees, timetables, other expenses, contact us by telephone [04] 237 3103 extension 3833, or 0800 944 847 extension 3833, or by fax to [04] 238 6211.

Other Expenses

  (a)  Book Purchases– more information is available on request but as a rough guide, allow up to $1,000.

  (b)    New Zealand Law Society registration fee (in 2010 this was $50.)     This is payable only once, i.e. it does not have to be paid again in later years of study.

  (c)   New Zealand Law Society exam fees.   In 2010 these were $105 per exam so a student taking all 6 papers paid $630.     These may be higher in 2011.

New Zealand Law Society

A once only fee to register as a legal executive student for those who have not previously done so. This is expected to be $50.

Exam registration fees for each paper.  In 2010 these fees were $105 per paper, or $630 for six papers.

Past years' exam papers (essential for revision during and at the end of the course).  Each paper's set (comprising exams for the past 5 years) cost $18 in 2010 so those taking all six papers would have paid $108.

All or any of these may be changed by the New Zealand Law Society in 2011.

Books and Legislation

These are described in a separate handout which can be supplied on request. It is difficult to calculate total costs exactly but students taking all six papers should allow up to $1,000 for these items. The tutors for each paper will give guidance re purchases needed at the first class for that paper so it may be best to leave your purchasing until after the first class. These costs for each paper differ widely.

Classes commence in the week beginning 7 February 2011, and continue through to the exams which are likely to be held by the New Zealand Law Society in the week following Labour Weekend in October. The provisional timetable is as follows:

Mondays:

• Introduction to Law Office Practice, 1.00-3.00 pm
• Property Law and Practice, 3.30-5.30 pm

Tuesdays:

• Estates Law and Practice, 12.00-2.00 pm
• Litigation Law and Practice, 5.30-7.30 pm

Wednesdays:

• Introduction to the Legal System, 12.00-2.00 pm
• Business Law and Practice, 2.30-4.30 pm

We have attempted to set times that are as convenient as reasonably practicable for those working in law offices while also recognising the interests of full-time students. You will see that classes have been scheduled close to lunch times or at the end of the day.

We have not scheduled any classes on Fridays.

Whitireia New Zealand teaches the course but it is examined by the New Zealand Law Society.