Abstract: A nitride based semiconductor light emitting element includes at least a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and a gallium nitride based compound semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type stacked on a substrate. On a main region of the top surface of the semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type, a Pd-containing electrode is formed, and the top surface and side surfaces of the Pd-containing electrode as well as the surface of the semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type in a region of at least a prescribed width from the side surfaces are covered by a conductive shielding film to be shielded from the atmosphere or a mold resin.