Our unique skills-based course provides practical, real-world training which brings your law degree to life. 

The course is organised into seminars that revolve around problem-solving realistic, client-focused tasks.  Each seminar is skills-based, designed to equip you with the practical knowledge required for a successful legal career, irrespective of the area of law you might be engaged.

You’ll develop essential skills such as:

Emphasis is also given to building your interpersonal skills and developing ways to manage your wellbeing in the workplace.

Assessment based learning

Profs at IPLS is an exam free environment – during the course you will be assessed on the skills you practice and master as you learn them.  Instructors mark your assessments according to the criteria of the national standards set for competency and in some seminars, merit.  They'll give you feedback on how you can improve your skills and establish confidence in each area.  There is also an internal and external moderation system, which ensures all assessments are marked consistently.

Supportive learning environment

IPLS provides a supportive learning environment where you are taught in small groups.  Your instructors stay by your side throughout course, providing regular feedback and adopting a coaching approach that complements their legal expertise.

Everything we do is with a view to ensuring you're well equipped to make a successful transition into the workplace.

NZCLE course regulations

We abide by the New Zealand Council of Legal Education Course regulations for this course.  You can read these at nzcle.org.nz.

1. Online courses

The most flexible option – study from anywhere in the world, all you need is a computer with a camera and a reliable internet connection.

All online options include 3 seminars with a face-to-face component conducted via compulsory Zoom meetings.  Zoom meetings are between 30 minutes to 3.5 hours long and are scheduled in advance of the seminar by your instructor.  The main focus of these meetings is to practice real-life transactions, including role playing and assessment scenarios.

• Daytime Zoom meetings are held in business hours

• Evening/weekend Zoom meetings are held on weekday evenings and during the day on Saturdays

Outside of Zoom meetings, and for all other seminars, the course consists of online course work that can be completed in your own time, within set deadlines for tasks and assessments. 

Throughout the course you will be supported by an experienced instructor, who will stay by your side throughout the course, providing coaching, mentoring and support.

Online course options include:

• 13-week course with daytime Zoom sessions

• 18-week course with daytime Zoom sessions

• 18-week course with evening/weekend Zoom sessions

See the FAQ’s page for more information about how the online course is structured. 

2. Onsite courses

The 13-week full-time onsite course is available in Auckland and Wellington.

In 2024 the course runs from 25 January to 12 April, 8:30am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Online courses

• 13-week course with daytime Zoom sessions

• 18-week course with daytime Zoom sessions

• 18-week course with evening/weekend Zoom sessions

All courses

• To view all course options, click here

Fees

IPLS is a not-for-profit organisation and, as such, we make every effort to keep our fees as low as possible.

2024 fees $5,805 (NZ residents), $7,100 (non-NZ residents)

All fees are GST inclusive and are payable into the Public Trust Fee Protect bank account prior to the first day of the course. Fees include all course materials.

If you wish to pay by credit card, please email enrolment@ipls.org.nz. Credit card fees will apply. A receipt will be emailed to you after payment is received. Any fees not paid by the first day of your intake may incur a late payment penalty of $150 (including GST).

Student Fee Protection

IPLS uses the Public Trust Fee Protect service to provide an independent ‘trust account’ for the protection of trainee fees. This ensures sufficient monies are available at all times to refund the ‘unexpired’ portion of fees in the unlikely event we are not able to deliver your complete course.

Public Trust is a government owned Trustee Company which has been in existence for more than 145 years. More information about Fee Protect is available on its website, www.publictrust.co.nz.

Once you have enrolled at IPLS you will be sent a Fee Protect Student Acknowledgement Form to complete and return to us. Your fees, including those paid by StudyLink or your employer, are deposited directly into the Public Trust Fee Protect bank account.

For more information on Student Fee Protection, refer to the NZQA website: nzqa.govt.nz

Transfers and Withdrawals

IPLS recognises that at times trainees need to transfer between courses or to withdraw from the course.  Please refer to the policy and procedures for transfers and withdrawals below and for information on any refund a trainee

Trainee Transfer Policy
Trainee Withdrawal and Refund Policy
Trainee Universal Application Form (Application to Transfer or Withdraw)

Other Fees

Information on other fees can be found here.