Duty Lawyer Training Programme 2026

Duty lawyers are critical to the smooth running of a District Court list. This course gives you the basic knowledge and skills you need to apply to join this important group.

You will:

• Undertake self-directed pre-course reading and preparation
• Arrange to observe experienced duty lawyers for a minimum of five half days
• Attend an introductory session in the centre in which you intend to practise (introductory session)
• Work through case scenarios with an experienced duty lawyer (advising session)
• Sit an open book exam (exam session)
• Make critiqued practice appearances (practice court session)
• Be observed and assessed while making your first real appearance as a duty lawyer (final assessed appearance).

Ministry of Justice requirements

As well as completion of the programme, you will need to meet Ministry of Justice listing criteria for duty lawyers. Note that being listed as a duty lawyer does not guarantee a place on any roster. See the MOJ website for more information.

Administration

The introductory, advising, exam and practice court sessions are all run in five main centres. Introductory sessions are also held in a number of smaller centres.

Your introductory session and final assessed appearance must be attended in the centre in which you intend to practise.

All participants are required to attend the advising, exam, and practice court sessions in one of the main centres. These sessions are held on a Friday afternoon and the following Saturday morning.

If you are from a town which is not shown, we may be able to help you organise a separate introductory session.

Learning objectives

At the completion of this programme you will be able to:

• Recognise what information is required to advise list court defendants.
• Advise defendants as to their best course of action.
• Recognise when to seek advice from a more experienced duty lawyer.
• Recognise the limits of the duty lawyer role.
• Make appropriate applications/submissions for a defendant.
• Recognise and respond appropriately to ethical issues which may arise.
• Know how to interact appropriately with the Community Probation Service, Police, the Forensic Nurse and other services assisting in the list court.

Who should attend

This course is for practitioners who intend to apply to be listed as a duty lawyer.

Please Note:

• It is possible to register and complete the majority of the course without a practising certificate, but you must hold a practising certificate by the time of your final assessed appearance.
• Your final assessed appearance must take place within two years of your practice court session.

Materials

Materials are couriered about a month before your introductory session (providing you have registered and paid in full). You will need to read all instructions, requirements and assessment procedures to ensure you are fully prepared for each component of the course.

We suggest that you register at least three weeks before the introductory session you wish to attend so that you can start your observations and prepare for the introductory session.

Fee (Incl GST)

Law Society Members benefit from up to 30% off – please login to receive member pricing
Workshop

• $860 – Law Society members & associate members
• $1230 – Non-members

2026 timing and locations

• Introductory session: 2.00pm – 5.30pm
• Advising & exam session: 1.00pm – 6.00pm
• Practice court session: 8.30am – 1.30pm

The introduction and final assessed appearance must be attended in the region in which you intend to practise.
Centre	Introductory Session - Friday	Advising and Exam Session - Friday	Practice Court Session - Saturday
Christchurch	20 February	10 April	11 April
Timaru	20 February	10 April (in Chch)	11 April (in Chch)
Queenstown	20 February	10 April (in Chch)	11 April (in Chch)
Wellington 1	13 March	1 May	2 May
Nelson	13 March	1 May (in Wgtn)	2 May (in Wgtn)
Auckland	27 March	22 May	23 May
Gisborne	27 March	22 May (in Akld)	23 May (in Akld)
Hamilton	29 May	17 July	18 July
Tauranga	29 May	17 July (in Ham)	18 July (in Ham)
Rotorua	29 May	17 July (in Ham)	18 July (in Ham)
Dunedin	12 June	7 August	8 August
Invercargill	12 June	7 August (in Dun)	8 August (in Dun)
Manukau	24 July	4 September	5 September
Whangarei	24 July	4 September (in Mnku)	5 September (in Mnku)
Wellingon 2	11 September	6 November	7 November
Whanganui	11 September	6 November (in Wgtn)	7 November (in Wgtn)
Hawkes Bay	11 September	6 November (in Wgtn)	7 November (in Wgtn)
New Plymouth	11 September	6 November (in Wgtn)	7 November (in Wgtn)
Palmerston North	11 September	6 November (in Wgtn)	7 November (in Wgtn)

Cancellation Policy

Before Introductory session* *Note: materials must be returned unused before refund will be processed.
Notice given	Refund
10+ working days	$760 (fee – $100 administration)
0-9 working days	$710 (fee – $150 administration)
Before advising & exam session and/or practice court session
Notice given	Refund
10+ working days	$510 (fee – $350 administration)
0-9 working days	No refund

View full Law Society event terms.

Transfer Policy

Note: transfer is available only within this calendar year.
Auckland and Manukau are separate centres and require a formal transfer.

Introductory session No transfer is possible for the introductory session as it must be attended in the region in which you intend to practise.
Advising & exam session and/or practice court session
Notice given	Fee payable
10+ working days	$220
5-9 working days	$270
0-4 working days	Transfer not possible, treated as cancellation. See cancellation details above