New Zealand Law Students’ Association
&Education
Wellbeing
Survey 2024
In association with
Foreword
I am thrilled to present the much-anticipated results of the 2024 National Education and Wellbeing survey conducted by the New Zealand Law Students’ Association (NZLSA) in collaboration with the College of Law.
NZLSA aims to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for more than 9,000 members across our six law schools. This survey reflects our commitment to legal education, our fellow law students, and the betterment of the legal profession.
The importance of this survey cannot be overstated. It reflects our collective voice and allows us to express our thoughts, concerns, and ideas regarding legal education. The responses will go a long way in shaping the future of legal education in Aotearoa New Zealand.
This report will highlight some things we already know while shedding light on the realities of being a law student. We were thrilled to see a high percentage, similar to last year’s results, of students who support the incorporation of Tikanga Māori in the LLB. However, the results present a stark reminder that there is significant work to be done in uplifting and supporting the mental health of tauira.
I extend my gratitude to all 1,334 law students who participated in this survey and to the NZLSA team for their support in ensuring the success of this initiative. In particular, a huge thank you must go to our Education Vice President, Amy Xie, for all her work over the past few months. Also, thank you to Marc Elliott from Primary Purpose, and Liam van Eeden, our designer.
Furthermore, thank you to the College of Law for sponsoring this project again and for their continued commitment to law students.
NZLSA knows that these results will influence our kaupapa moving forward. We hope that those involved in the legal sector take notice and gain a greater understanding of the issues facing our students.
He mihi mahana ki a koutou,
Tom Simmonds
NZLSA President 2024
We spoke to 1,334 law students
71% women
27% men
2% gender diverse
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
0 0.075 0.15 0.225 0.3 11% 9% 7% 30% 21% 22% University of Auckland Auckland University of Technology University of Waikato Victoria University of Wellington University of Canterbury University of Otago
Law Student Population
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024 Total 9,774 University of Auckland 2,786 University of Waikato 1,318 Victoria University of Wellington 1,771 University of Canterbury 1,534 University of Otago 1,453
by ethnicity 14% 1,542 10% 1,092 Asian NZ European/Pākehā Māori MELAA Pacific Peoples Other † †Middle Eastern, Latin American and African by gender Disclaimer: This data is based on OIA requests returned in May 2024. The University of Auckland’s data is from 2023, as we did not receive a response to our OIA request. * * by university Auckland University of Technology 912 0% 250,000% 500,000% 750,000% 1,000,000% Male 31.5% Female 68% 3 19% 2,095 52% 5,727 2% 169 3% 348 Gender Diverse 0.5% New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Learning & Teaching
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
Do you feel that legal education in New Zealand is heading in the right direction or the wrong direction?
I agree that law school is a welcoming place for me
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
Right direction 67%
University of Auckland Auckland University of Technology University of Waikato Victoria University of Wellington University of Canterbury University of Otago 0 0.175 0.35 0.525 0.7 66% 65% 56% 68% 61% 50% 5 Wrong direction 11% Unsure 22% by university by ethnic breakdown Asian NZ European/ Pākehā Māori Pacific Peoples MELAA Other 0 0.175 0.35 0.525 0.7 57% 62% 48% 59% 63% 50% † †Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealand Law Students’ Association
%
of students think Te Ao Māori and Tikanga plays an important role in their degree
To what extent do you believe that…
There should be more focus on tikanga. Since law students are the next generation of lawyers, we have a responsibility to change the legal profession for the better.
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
82
11% 40% 28% 17% 4% I will be equipped with the practical skills that I need after I graduate 28% 41% 18% 10% 3% The overall course structure impacts my decision to take the paper (e.g. discussion-intensive, recording access, and compulsory assessments) 10% 27% 34% 22% 7% AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT) will positively impact my legal education Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 20% 54% 16% 9% 1% Learning and teaching at my law school is fit for purpose
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of students found lecture recordings useful 93%
“
Lecture recording availability has been incredibly transformative in my learning and information retention as a disabled student.
students find in-person lectures with a focus on class discussions useful 7 out of 10 of students don’t find in-person lectures with a lack of recordings useful 55%
I strongly prefer attending in person but I can't afford not to work.
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
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New Zealand Law Students’ Association 7
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Assessments
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
6 out of 10 students believe the assessments they complete don’t reflect the skills they need after they graduate
How strongly do you agree or disagree that…
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024 9
10% 30% 25% 24% 11% You receive valuable feedback after submitting an assessment 10% 11% 19% 26% 34% Handwritten exams are better than typed exams Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 20% 23% 26% 20% 11%
exams are better than online invigilated exams
In-person
New Zealand Law Students’ Association
What proportion of your overall course grade should be attributed to final exams?
I agree that each of the following helps with my learning
“ “
Regular
assignments throughout the year are a far more effective way of assessing a person's ability than a final exam worth the vast majority of the grade.
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
Individual essays or assignments Practical assessments Take-home tests Group assessments 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 24% 51% 51% 74% 77% 91% In-person exams Presentations/ oral assessments 42% 46% 40% or less Between 40% and 60% 8% 60% or more 4% Unsure 10 New Zealand Law Students’ Association
How useful have you found each of the following resources to help you with your assessments?
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024 11
23% 30% 37% 8% 2% Resources from a friend or colleague 45% 28% 20% 6% 1% An official notes bank 40% 20% 23% 13% 4% StuDocu Not useful at all Not that useful Unsure Useful Very useful 3% 68% 25% 4% Lecture recordings 40% 9% 20% 21% 10% ChatGPT/AI New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Disclaimer: These questions were not compulsory. Therefore, the proportions are based on the 88% of participants who were comfortable in proceeding with this section.
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
*
Have you felt any of the following during the past 30 days?
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 40% 20% 55% 57% 70% 32% 62% 67% 76% Stressed Overwhelmed Anxious Depressed 13 2023 data 2024 data of law students agree that studying law contributes to stress levels, compared to in 2013.* 88% 63.5% by year NZLSA conducted a survey in 2013 to better understand law students’ mental health. The survey received 880 participants. * Imposter syndrome^ Data for imposter syndrome was not collected in 2023. ^ New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Have you felt any of the following during the past 30 days?
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 27% 59% 56% 71% 19% 58% 65% 77% 33% 65% 62% 73% 19% 52% 53% 72% 19% 54% 57% 70% 20% 58% 59% 71% Stressed Overwhelmed Anxious Depressed
ethnic
Asian NZ European/Pākehā Māori Pacific Peoples MELAA Other †Middle Eastern, Latin American and African † 14 New Zealand Law Students’ Association
by
breakdown
Which
of the following factors, if any, make studying law stressful for you personally?
High expectations for top grades
The amount of time dedicated for study
The number of readings
The pressures of finding a job after law school
The pressures exerted by other law students
Amount of papers required to be taken
Working part-time with the cost of living crisis and having no time to rest or study. “ “
The expectations of your hapū and the inequity you face as Māori in the law school. “ “
Being a mature student, I have to juggle my family responsibilities with study. Financially, it is a strain on our family to be studying full time. “ “
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
0 0.225 0.45 0.675 0.9 28% 46% 53% 64% 65% 77% 18% 51% 70% 63% 56% 89% 2013 data 2024 data
* NZLSA conducted a survey in 2013 to better understand law students’ mental health. The survey received 880 participants. * New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Thinking about your overall mental wellbeing, do you feel that your law school mostly impacts this..?
What kinds of mental wellbeing support would you like from your university/faculty?
Services for burnout and help to manage the workload.
“
More accessible counselling and therapy that is affordable for students.
Wellbeing groups for students to talk about coping strategies during stressful study seasons or when you are experiencing imposter syndrome.
“
When I wanted to see the uni counsellor I had to wait over a month, this is far too long.
“
The problem is systemic. It's a culture that is upheld by the profession, and the faculty, that we have to work very hard and deprioritise our wellbeing.
“
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
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“
“
16
In a positive way 16% In a negative way 41% Makes no difference or unsure 43%
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New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Employment Careers &
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
There should be more practical based learning such as learning how to do submissions, statements of claim, preparing cases and documents, like we would be expected to do when we graduate.
Having a career liaison with networks of private firms as well as sole practitioners and in-house counsel for other sectors would be advantageous for students.
“
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024 0 0.15 0.3 0.45 0.6
57% 48% 46% 26% 17% 16% 14% Private practice Government or policy In-house lawyer Non-governmental or community organisation Consulting, accounting, or finance Corrections or policing Lecturing or research
What type of work do you want to do after graduating with your LLB?
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“
18 New Zealand Law Students’ Association
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024 Environmental 21% Property / Land 24% What area of law would you like to work in once you graduate? Corporate/commercial 54% Criminal 43% Family / relationship property / estates 41% Litigation 40% International / human rights 37% Employment 29% Public 26% IT / Intellectual property / media 25% Māori land / indigenous law 16% Te Tiriti o Waitangi 17% 19 Disclaimer: These results are based on the 57% of survey participants who indicated that they wanted to work in private practice. * * New Zealand Law Students’ Association
%
of students don’t feel confident in securing a first job in their preferred industry
How strongly do you agree or disagree that…
We need more info on profs, career guidance, information on firm structure. There is so much guessing and confusion if you don't have people in your life who know. “ “
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
79
3% 21% 48% 20% 8% The legal profession is interested in looking after the wellbeing of new graduates 12% 43% 35% 8% 2% The legal profession is a good industry to work in 7% 35% 31% 19% 8% I am comfortable in incorporating AI tools into my future legal career Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree 5% 31% 40% 19% 5% The legal profession is a welcoming place for you 20 New Zealand Law Students’ Association
of students agree that the legal profession is a good industry to work in 55%
of students aren’t concerned about the use of AI replacing lawyers
75% of law students are interested in working overseas as a lawyer 74%
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
21
21
I agree the legal profession is interested in looking after the wellbeing of new graduates
How informed do you feel about the process of completing a profs (Professional Legal Studies Course) course after graduating?*
or
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024
survey
year
above. * 22
Disclaimer: These results are based on the 55% of
participants who were 3rd
by ethnic breakdown Asian NZ European/ Pākehā Māori Pacific Peoples MELAA Other 0 0.063 0.125 0.188 0.25 18% 23% 16% 21% 25% 20% Informed 19% Not informed 77% Unsure 4%
† †Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealand Law Students’ Association
Next Steps
NZLSA proposes the following actions to improve the experiences of law students across the country:
1. Ensuring a smooth transition to the compulsory indigenisation of the LLB. We consider it essential for law faculties to continue to express the importance of teaching Tikanga as a compulsory subject. Law faculties should inform students of how the formal indigenisation of the LLB may affect them and how the process will prepare students to engage with Tikanga in their legal careers.
2. Enhancing mental health support for students by ensuring that services are accessible and effective. While broader challenges exist at the university level to provide counselling services, addressing the prevalent stress and anxiety among law students is crucial.
3. Continuing to provide access to lecture recordings. This approach caters to diverse learning preferences and needs which creates a more inclusive educational environment. The flexibility offered by lecture recordings can significantly benefit students with disabilities and those who balance academic commitments with other responsibilities.
4. Strengthening practical skills within the curriculum. Emphasising practical assessment methods and papers will ensure students have the confidence to apply the skills they need for legal practice.
5. Reducing the weight of final examinations, in favour of assessments. A shift to assessments would align more closely with the practical demands of the legal profession and is likely to be more effective in gauging students' abilities. The approach alleviates the high-pressure environment associated with final exams and fosters a deeper engagement with the material.
6. Providing stronger career guidance. This includes providing information on various career paths and finding jobs. Career initiatives are vital for helping students navigate their future and will address their anxiety about their career path after graduation.
7. Legal employers to assess pastoral care initiatives for graduates. Many students express apprehension about entering the profession due to concerns about their wellbeing not being adequately supported. Employers should ensure that their support systems are robust and responsive to the needs of graduates.
We hope these measures will collectively enhance the educational experience and overall wellbeing of law students, better preparing them for successful and fulfilling legal careers.
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey
New Zealand Law Students’ Association 23
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Studying
law is incredibly stressful and it has had some very negative effects on my mental health at times. However, I'm hoping it can also be a rewarding career.
New Zealand Law Students’ Association In association with
NZLSA Education and Wellbeing Survey 2024