Your Child is a First Year Law Student. Now What? A Parent's Guide.

Congratulations! Your child is embarking on a thrilling and challenging journey as a first-year law student in New Zealand. This is an exciting time in their academic journey, and it’s crucial for parents to understand what their children are about to face. The first year of law school is not only rigorous, but it also sets the tone for the rest of their academic and professional careers.

New Zealand has several renowned law schools, including the University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington, and Otago University. These institutions offer world-class legal education and are highly respected in the legal industry.

The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Law is one of the most prestigious law schools in New Zealand. The faculty’s teaching and research are of an exceptional standard, and its graduates are highly sought after by employers.

Otago University and Victoria University of Wellington’s Faculty of Law is also highly regarded and has a strong reputation for excellence in legal education. Its research is cutting-edge and influential, and its graduates are well-equipped to succeed in the legal profession.

The requirements for being admitted to the second year of law school in New Zealand are quite high, and your child will need to perform well. It’s essential for them to achieve a high grade point average (GPA) in their first-year law courses. A high GPA is necessary to continue on to the second year of law school, which will determine their eligibility for internships, clerkships, and other professional development opportunities. Some law schools consider only the student's performance in law topics, while others consider the student's broader GPA encompassing all of their subjects.

It’s also important to note that each year, the GPA requirement changes. For instance, the GPA requirement for admittance to the second year of law school may be different from year to year, as each law faculty sets a designated number of spaces that are available for enrolment. As a parent, it's also important to realize that your son or daughter's Law GPA that will be used for admission purposes may not be available on the University's website. At the University of Auckland, for example, the student's law GPA is an internal number that students must calculate themselves. It is not displayed anywhere.

In addition to the high demands of law school, your child will also need to learn how to balance their academic and social lives. This can be challenging, but it’s crucial for them to find a balance that works for them. Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities, join student organizations, and take on leadership roles. Doing so will help them build valuable skills and connections that will serve them well in their future legal career.

One way to help your child succeed is to provide them with extra support, such as tutoring. At Momentum Tutoring, we offer a comprehensive program that includes group tutoring every week, individualized writing lessons and feedback, and access to a dedicated success mentor who guides each student through their first-year journey. Our program also includes an internship at a commercial law firm at the end of the student’s second year, giving your child an opportunity to gain practical experience and apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.

Our group tutoring sessions are designed to help your child excel in their coursework by providing a collaborative and supportive environment. Our tutors are experienced in working with first-year law students and have a deep understanding of the challenges they face. Our personalized writing lessons and feedback will help your child develop their writing skills and become better communicators, a vital skill in the legal profession.

Our dedicated success mentor will work with your child to create a customized plan that fits their unique needs and goals. They will provide guidance and support throughout their first year of law school and beyond, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise along the way.

Finally, our internship program provides your child with an opportunity to gain practical experience in a commercial law firm. This experience will help them build valuable skills, connections, and confidence as they prepare to enter the legal profession.

In conclusion, the first year of law school in New Zealand is a demanding and exciting time for your child. As a parent, it’s important to understand the challenges your child will face and provide them with the support they need to succeed. Momentum Tutoring’s program is designed to help your child excel in their coursework, develop their skills, and gain practical experience that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers. We’re here to help your child succeed, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.

About Momentum Tutoring:

Momentum Tutoring has been operating for 10 years, when Founder Hayden Hughes was a law student. Since then, the company has received the support of various angel investors including Sir Ralph Norris, former Air NZ CEO, and other notable kiwis. The company operates across New Zealand.

To learn more about how Momentum Tutoring could help your child on their first year law journey, feel free to schedule a free consultation. Additional information can also be found on the company's website.