EXPERTS IN LEGAL
RECRUITMENT

Auckland

$130,000 - $180,000 + Kiwi Saver

5+ PQE Employment Lawyer | Associate/Senior Associate

A national law firm is looking for a lawyer with 5+ years’ employment law experience to join its employment team in Auckland. The team is recognised for its depth of experience, collaborative culture, and high-quality work. The workThis is a senior opportunity within a high-performing team that advises a wide range of employers, including large corporates, government agencies, and multinationals, on all aspects of employment law. You will be working on a mix of litigation, advisory, and transactional support. The role offers exposure to major employers across the public and private sectors, both in Aotearoa and internationally. You’ll advise on restructures, investigations, grievances, employment agreements, health and safety, privacy, union matters, and collective bargaining. You’ll also act in mediations and regularly appear in the Employment Relations Authority and Court. The size of the team allows lawyers to specialise or broaden their experience, depending on their interests. The work is often complex, high-profile profile and nationally significant. The team The employment practice is one of the largest in the country, with a mix of partners, senior lawyers and juniors working together across three offices. The culture is supportive, respectful, and team-focused. Senior lawyers and partners are hands-on in mentoring, and there’s a strong focus on professional development, training, and flexibility. You You’ll have solid employment law experience, or be a litigator interested in specialising in this space. You’ll be confident advising clients, keen to keep developing, and enjoy working closely with colleagues at all levels. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with good judgment and the ability to build relationships. Why apply Flexible working options (hybrid, flexi-hours, and leave) Structured learning and development A diverse, inclusive workplace where people are respected and supported Competitive salary  Career growth with clear promotion pathways A strong focus on wellbeing, including mental health support, wellness payments, generous leave policies, and TOIL for legal staff Industry-leading parental leave and family support Social connection through firm-wide and local events A supportive and down-to-earth team that backs your success If you're looking for high-quality work in a team that values its people and prioritises long-term careers, this role offers a rare opportunity. For a confidential discussion about the role, call Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or email a copy of your CV and academics to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking ‘APPLY’ now.

Auckland

2+ PQE Commercial Property & Commercial Lawyer

The Opportunity Our client takes a progressive approach with clients and staff and they have a strong reputation in the market as a result. The team takes a relationship focused approach to servicing its clients and are looking for someone to join their collaborative team. You'll get exposed to clients ranging from financial institutions, sporting organisations, developers, charitable institutions and high profile property investors.Day-to-day you will work with a decent level of independence and guidance of experienced partners on complex commercial property acquisitions and disposals, working on property development projects, comple commercial leasing matters, infrastructure matters, company structuring matters, overseas investment, joint venture projects and financing matters. About you:  2+ years PQE. This may have been gained in a small or larger practice but some relevant commercial property experience is key; You might either have a corporate legal background or a property legal background, but with an interest in doing a mix of work between these areas; Interpersonal skills to relate well to a range of clients; Interest in further developing your skills with a commercial mindset; and A decent university academic record.  Perhaps you would like to move to a firm where you can get exposure to more complex deals and projects? Or maybe you're currently at a top-tier firm and would like to join a team with a flatter structure, where you can truly get involved in the work, being able to learn from partners who take the time to get to know you and your career plans? Either way, get in touch to find out more about this position and whether this could be a good fit for you.For a confidential discussion about the position, call Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or email a copy of your CV and academics to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking ‘APPLY’ now.

Auckland

RMA & Environment Planning Lawyer | 2+ years PQE

About the firm and roleThis is an exciting growth opportunity for a junior or intermediate level lawyer to work in a leading law firm. This is a chance to be involved in work that will be affected by the RM reforms, working for a firm that has modern systems, a well-supported and friendly team and where you'll be mentored across a variety of work. The work is to a high standard and you'll learn from the industry bests. Clients include large-scale developers, central government agencies, NGOs and listed companies and corporate clients.   In this role, you'll work with partners in matters before the Environment Court, mediations and appeal stages. There will also be some strategy and advisory work but it will be a chance to hone your advocacy skills if you enjoy doing some litigious work. You'll be involved in resource consenting and planning matters, enforcement matters, judicial review decisions, public law matters and infrastructure related project work.  About you The ideal candidate will have: 2+ years' experience within a well regarded resource management and/or environment and planning team, a relevant in-house background or general litigation skills with a keen interest to transfer your skills into the RMA area; Some working knowledge of the resource management legislative framework (ideally you studied this paper at uni); Quality drafting and advocacy skills; Good academics (B average or higher in your LLB is key); and An interest in further developing your career as a resource management lawyer. Perhaps you're reflecting on where you're headed for the second half of 2025 and thinking about a move to a practice where you can hone your skills in the RMA field learning from the best, or a place that has a structure that will allow you grow to take your career to the next level - if this sounds like you, then get in touch to find out more.Those returning from Australia or the UK with relevant experience are of interest also.Top remuneration is on offer.  To discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.

Auckland

Trusts & Private Wealth Lawyer | 4+ years PQE

About the firm This is an opportunity to join a thriving city based practice that represents a multi-generational client base, including high net worth individuals and investors, to your everyday individuals. This is a role where you can work with a good level of autonomy with private clients and assist them in their personal affairs as it relates to trusts, wills, estates, wealth and succession planning, family charters, powers of attorney, inheritance planning, asset structuring and relationship property matters. You'll be able to collaborate with other teams on matters (e.g. the litigation team and barristers in relation to private client related disputes). You'd be a part of a full service practice, and the firm has a great social environment, supportive of CPD and upskilling.  About the team The team works flexibly, and there is an expert partner that is there for mentorship, as well as other lawyers that you will help mentor and work with as part of the team too. If you'd like to join a practice that does quality work while retaining a decent work/life balance, then enquire now.  About you To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:  4+ years' solid legal experience with a decent amount of trusts, and private client experience gained in a general practice law firm or specialist team (this may form part of your experience only); Some of estates or RP related experience would be preferred, but not a must; An ability to communicate well and build rapport with a range of private clients from different backgrounds and ages; Sound drafting skills and the ability to provide advice in a clear and concise manner;  Strong interpersonal skills.  You may come with a mix of in-house and law firm experience and keen to join a firm where there is complex and interesting work; or you may be keen to join a specialist team where you can grow.  To discuss further, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.

Christchurch

Disputes Resolution Solicitor

About Us: This full service firm is known for its client-first approach and collaborative team culture. Modern and progressive, they take an innovative approach to get the best results for their clients and also to create an amazing work environment for their team. Mid to large in size, they are based in modern offices in the CBD close to the hustle and bustle of shops, cafes, great restaurants and iconic Christchurch scenery.    The Role: We are looking for expressions of interest from solicitors with experience working in dispute resolution across civil or commercial matters. Our client has room for a solicitor from 1 year up to around 6 years PQE as a higher workload and changing needs within the team have created a vacancy. Work within a tight knit team with strong experience and a great reputation in this area Work across a variety of files from commercial, insurance and insolvency litigation, trusts and estate litigation and more.    About You: Qualified Solicitor with a current New Zealand practising certificate 1+ years of recent experience in disputes resolution matters Someone who wants to build their career in this area and who puts the client first We need a team player as this firm focuses on collaboration and group achievement  What’s On Offer: This firm offers unique benefits like extra paid leave days (including "Easter Tuesday"), enhanced parental leave and top up payments, paid marital leave, and paid study leave a $500 annual wellness allowance access to an Employee Assistance Program as well as wellbeing seminars    For a confidential chat about this opportunity, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or send your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz. Alternatively, click APPLY now to submit your application. 

Wellington

Senior Litigator or Partner

Our client is a well-established Wellington CBD practice that has a unique opportunity for a Senior Associate, Special Counsel or existing partner to step into a well-established firm that has a loyal and longstanding client base, to further the grow the practice in the insurance and commercial litigation space. You'll have the experience of other partners to support you in the role in terms of BD efforts and management. They're looking for someone that has a proven track record in resolving complex claims and coming from a reputable practice (those with relevant in-house experience will be considered also).  What you need to succeed: 10+ years legal experience with solid experience in litigation work, with some experience resolving insurance related disputes; NZ qualified lawyer; Driven to be a leader and expert in your field; and Ability to mentor juniors. A transferable client base is not needed but having networks in the insurance and corporate legal field would be. What's more important is your ability to maintain good relationships with clients, mentor junior staff members and contribute to the firm's existing positive working culture, as you grow your practice.     You may be a partner that is looking to move into a practice with a better working environment and management or perhaps you're at a Senior Associate / Special Counsel level and feeling blocked from progression where you currently are. This is a firm with a sound reputation and infrastructure in place to support you in managing your client relationships and developing a high performing team.     All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence.     For a confidential chat, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV at anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking APPLY now.

Auckland

Family Law & RP Solicitor | 3+ years PQE

The Firm & Opportunity An exciting growth opportunity has come up for a 3+ years PQE level lawyer to strengthen our client's family law and RP practice. The firm has an established client base that provides a steady flow of files to work on a range of matters. The partners encourage a culture that is welcoming, approachable, supportive and flexible, allowing you to develop your skills and progress internally at the firm.    This role works across the full gamut of family law and RP work which includes helping individuals protect their assets in a relationship, navigating through complex separations and dealing with childcare and custody arrangements, protection orders, adoptions, surrogacies, as well as drafting separation agreements and contracting out agreements.    In this role, you will also have all the support you need to develop your legal skills in the family law and private client area. There is a good balance of being able to work autonomously on files, mentorship and being given opportunities to go to Court, as they arise. There is room to grow in this role into a more senior position.    About you 3+ years PQE experience in family law gained in either working in a specialist family law team or you may have general practice legal experience with a focus on family law matters, or be currently supporting a family law barrister; Strong interpersonal skills; Natural leadership skills; and An interest to develop your skills further in the family law field.  If you're looking to hone your skills in family law and RP within a firm that has a strong reputation for its work and support systems in place to allow you to advance your career with building your leadership skills, then get in touch with us today. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.

Christchurch

Senior Property Solicitor

About the Firm:Our client is a well-established law firm with a long history of providing legal support within the Canterbury region. Like many firms in Christchurch, they've recently made a move into new premises and offer a great location within the CBD. This full service firm works across various areas of law and are now looking to hire a Senior Property Solicitor to lead their Property team.    The Role: We are looking for a skilled senior Solicitor with expertise in property and conveyancing law with a minimum of 4 years of experience working in New Zealand Property law. Key responsibilities will include: Leading a team to work collaboratively and provide the best outcomes and results for their clients Handling residential and commercial property transactions, including sales, purchases, and leases Advising on subdivision and development agreements Maintaining regulatory compliance Developing and mentoring a team of junior lawyers and support staff This is a full time opportunity with a clear structure for progression including a pathway to partnership down the line (if desired). Property and conveyancing experience is a must, but we are open to someone who also wants to explore other areas of law in conjunction with this and there is room to grow and expand your skills within the firm.     About You: Qualified Solicitor with a current New Zealand practising certificate 4+ years of recent experience in property and conveyancing law Strong knowledge of New Zealand property law and conveyancing processes Someone who enjoys developing and mentoring junior staff members This mid-sized firm is professional but down-to-earth, love to have a laugh and ambitiously work to be the best for themselves and their clients. We are looking for someone with the same level of drive - while they pride themselves on no over time hours required, we do want someone who aims for excellence and wants to do their best work.     What’s On Offer: Competitive salary  Modern offices within the CBD Carpark / carparking allowance Southern Cross Health Insurance Birthday leave Work / life balance Clear progression structures + pathway to partnership  For a confidential chat about this opportunity, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or send your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz. Alternatively, click APPLY now to submit your application. 

Tauranga

Senior Litigation Solicitor

Senior Litigation Lawyer – Make Your Mark in the Bay of Plenty This is not your run-of-the-mill litigation role. If you're looking for meaningful courtroom experience, high-quality files, and the chance to work on complex disputes that will challenge and stretch you professionally, this is your brief. Join a litigation practice that stands out not just for the calibre of its clients, but for the way its people work together. With a team of over 20 skilled litigators, you'll find yourself in excellent company, collaborating on a broad spectrum of matters including civil, commercial, regulatory, trust and estate, and insolvency disputes. You'll be appearing at all court levels, and your work will also include mediation and arbitration. You won’t be stuck behind a desk; client contact and advocacy are very much part of the day-to-day here. Based in Tauranga, you’ll enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of the Bay of Plenty while continuing to build a career on par with big city opportunities. The firm has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and it offers a clear path for progression alongside structured mentoring, regular professional development, and internal training. Travel across the country for hearings is part of the job, so if you’re seeking variety and visibility in your work, this will appeal.   What you’ll bring: NZ qualified & admitted Lawyer  5+ years PQE in litigation & dispute resolution from a reputable NZ firm Sound communication skills and a confident courtroom presence A strong academic background (B average or higher) Judges’ Clerks and more senior practitioners are also welcome to apply Those seeking part-time arrangements will be considered What’s on offer: High-quality disputes work for top-tier clients Flexible working options Genuine mentorship and growth within the team A friendly, collegiate culture with regular social events The chance to live in one of New Zealand’s most desirable regions This role suits someone who wants to be in court, not just reading about it. If you're looking to take the next serious step in your litigation career and want the best of both worlds, challenging work and a more balanced lifestyle, then this is your opportunity. Are you ready to make the move? For a confidential chat, contact Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.

Auckland

Financial Services, Fintech & Regulatory Lawyer | Intermediate

The Opportunity: A fantastic position within a top Financial Services team. We are recruiting for an intermediate level Lawyer with an interest in working for leading financial institutions, fund managers, investment funds and corporate clients in a role that involves FS advisory work, Fintech matters and regulatory projects. The culture at this firm is friendly, supportive, progressive, with modern operating systems and flexible working conditions for staff (e.g. can have a WFH day and flex start / finish). You'll be working with a top clientele and be at the forefront of advising clients through regulatory changes (e.g. CCCFA or FMCA matters) and matters spanning the spectrum from the climate-related disclosure, public disclosure statements to the regulation of financial institutions.About you:  3+ years PQE experience in general banking, finance or corporate law gained in a firm or in a legal counsel role at a financial institution or gained in a relevant regulatory organisation;  Strong interest in developing your career in the financial services area; Good academics (B average or higher in your LLB is key); and NZ practising certificate; and A Commerce degree with an Economics or Finance major would be valued but isn't a must.  Be a part of an area of law that is constantly evolving and be at the forefront of new developments. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926 or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or apply by clicking 'APPLY' now.

Auckland

Senior Corporate & Commercial Solicitor

Senior Corporate Commercial Lawyer Are you a Senior Corporate and Commercial lawyer who thrives on transactional work and strategic thinking? This is your opportunity to take a meaningful step in your career with a respected Auckland CBD firm that values excellence, flexibility, and long-term relationships. If you're looking for a place where people and performance are genuinely prioritised, we’d love to hear from you. Why this role: High-quality transactional work with a strong deal flow Work with successful privately owned NZ businesses and international corporates Join a tight-knit team where your experience will be valued Be mentored by commercially sharp, approachable partners Flexible structure: Full-time/part-time (30hrs p/w) + 1-2 days WFH Modern tools, systems, and a forward-thinking culture What you’ll be doing: Business sales and purchases (shares and assets), joint ventures, and restructures Shareholder agreements, partnership and franchising arrangements Commercial contract drafting and negotiation across a range of sectors Contributing to client strategy and building strong ongoing relationships Supporting and mentoring junior team members Staying up to date with developments in business law and industry trends This is a role where you’ll step into real client responsibility, with the guidance of experienced mentors and the support of a close-knit, high-performing team. Who we’re looking for: NZ qualified and admitted lawyer with 3+ years PQE in corporate and commercial law (more senior applicants also considered) Strong experience in transactional work, particularly M&A and structuring Clear communicator with sound commercial judgment Client-focused, self-motivated, and a team player Tech-savvy, with an interest in better ways of working Why you’ll thrive here: This is a firm where people enjoy coming to work. There’s room to grow, the work is varied and interesting, and everyone pulls together. You’ll be supported, recognised, and given space to make your mark, all while working with great clients who trust you to deliver. For a confidential chat, contact Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.