The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Waikato is a four-year degree providing in-depth understanding of legal systems, legislation, legal reasoning, and professional practice. Students engage with experienced legal academics and practitioners, develop practical skills through internships and work placements, and study the law in local, national, and global contexts. The programme covers a comprehensive curriculum required for legal practice in New Zealand, with flexibility for electives and the option to choose a second major. Accredited by NZCLE and professional bodies, it leads to diverse career opportunities across the legal field, policy, business, and the public sector.

Course Content

• Legal Method A & B (case law analysis, statutory interpretation, legal reasoning, mooting)

• Legal Systems & Societies (structure of government, civil/criminal law, sources of law)

• Public Law

• Jurisprudence (legal theories and ideologies)

• Contracts

• Torts (civil liability, compensation law)

• Criminal Law (Crimes)

• Corporate Entities (company law, corporate personality)

• Land Law

• Dispute Resolution (negotiation, mediation, advocacy, arbitration)

• Equity and Succession (trust law, administration of estates)

• 400-level Legal Papers (e.g. Evidence, Civil Procedure, Family Law, Indigenous Rights, Environmental Law, Employment Law, Intellectual Property, International Law, Legal Ethics, Human Rights Law, Mediation, Transnational Law, Digital Lawyering, Project Management for Lawyers, Banking and Finance Law)

• Internships and work placements

• Legal electives in areas like advocacy, competition law, natural resources, Māori land law, and more

• Exchange and study abroad opportunities