We have deep experience recruiting professional staff for law firms right across the country. While our offices are based in Auckland, we work with clients on opportunities up and down New Zealand covering all major centres and regional areas. We are constantly expanding and maintaining our active and passive candidate networks to ensure we offer an accurate, efficient and timely response to our clients requirements.
The roles we recruit for and the practice areas we cover are as follows:
Solicitor
Senior Solicitor
Associate
Senior Associate
Special Counsel / Principal
Partner
Legal practice areas we have industry knowledge and opportunities in:
Property
General Practice
Commercial
Corporate / M&A
Construction
Intellectual property
Technology
Dispute Resolution / Litigation
Insurance
Resource Management
Tax
Trusts & Private Wealth planning
Competition Law
Public law
FIND THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU
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Auckland
Senior Construction & Major Projects Lawyer
Senior Construction & Major Projects Lawyer A leading construction practice is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join its dedicated construction team. You’ll be joining one of the most respected teams in New Zealand, the team specialising in transactional, advisory and project based commercial construction and infrastructure matters - you'll be at the forefront of projects that shape our infrastructure and landscape. The Role The successful candidate will: Advise key industry participants on all aspects of planning, procurement, tendering, and delivery of major projects. Work with an impressive and growing client base, including central and local government, listed companies and investors. Lead projects, working directly with clients and their teams to deliver expert legal advice across sectors such as transport, energy, utilities, and large-scale commercial developments. Be involved in joint ventures, project structuring matters and drafting and negotiating terms under the Construction Contracts Act. Support and mentor a team of talented junior and intermediate solicitors. About You The ideal candidate will bring: 6+ years of commercial construction experience (this may form part of your background in corporate, infra or commercial property work). Strong intellectual and commercial acumen. A collaborative, energetic, and results-driven approach. Those interested to consider a move back into a firm from an in-house background would be of interest. The Team This collegial and highly capable team is committed to excellence and achieving outstanding results for their clients. With a supportive and vibrant culture, this opportunity offers significant professional growth and the chance to work on some of New Zealand's most exciting projects. 1 day WFH possible. Why Join? This is an opportunity to advance your career with a market leader in major construction projects that you can sink your teeth into. If you are seeking a role that combines challenging, meaningful work with a supportive and inclusive environment, this team could be the perfect fit. Next StepsTo 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. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion.
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Wellington
Employment Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm This is an opportunity to join a leading full-service firm in a diverse employment law role. Working under the mentorship of an established employment law / litigation partner, as part of a full-service law firm, you'll be a part of a close-knit employment law team where you will receive direct training and mentorship. The Work As an integral part of the team, you'll take on a high level of responsibility from the outset, gaining hands-on experience across a broad range of employment law matters. You'll work on both contentious and advisory issues, acting for a well-balanced mix of employer and employee clients. Your work will include restructuring advice, disciplinary investigations, personal grievance claims, bullying and discrimination matters, policy development, and preparation for mediations and ERA hearings. There’s also scope to get involved in health and safety work. This role offers a strong platform to refine your drafting and advocacy skills while deepening your expertise in complex employment law matters. About You: 3+ years PQE in employment law gained in either the context of a private practice or in-house role or an employment relations role (if employment was part of your litigation experience that will also be considered); A genuine interest in building your employment law career; High standard of written and verbal communication skills; Decent academics and already be admitted to the bar; and B average or higher in law grades. Perhaps you're looking for greater hands on and advocacy based employment law experience, or maybe you're looking to specialise in this area - either way, get in touch to find out more. 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.
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Auckland
Trusts, Estates and RP Lawyer | 3+ 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: 3+ 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); 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. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing team, where you can continue to build your skills and be mentored by an industry best. To discuss further, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or email your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or click QUICK APPLY now.
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Whangarei
3+ year PQE Commercial, Property & Private Client Lawyer
Commercial, Property & Private Client Lawyer Looking for meaningful work, great people, and a better lifestyle balance? Our Client is on the lookout for a lawyer with 3+ years PQE to join their team. You’ll be working across a mix of commercial, property, and private client matters. Think business sales and purchases, residential and rural property, trusts, estates and more. The work is varied and interesting, and you’ll be supported by smart, friendly people who know their stuff and enjoy what they do. Why this role? You’ll get: A mix of good-quality work with loyal clients Mentoring and support from experienced partners and senior lawyers A genuinely supportive environment that cares about your development Access to modern offices, great tech and resources A focus on wellbeing: fresh fruit, decent coffee, regular morning teas A busy social calendar with firm events throughout the year A competitive salary and a great lifestyle in Northland Who we’re looking for: A lawyer with 3+ years of experience from a reputable firm Someone who enjoys building strong relationships, both with clients and their teammates A good communicator who’s organised, practical, and enjoys variety Someone who gets stuck in, does quality work, and doesn’t take themselves too seriously You’ll be joining a team that values people and relationships just as much as legal skill. Hard work is appreciated, but it’s about results, not clock-watching. For further information, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or to apply, send your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
RMA & Local Govt Lawyer | 2+ years PQE
About the firm and role This is an exciting opportunity for a junior or intermediate level lawyer with a grounding in resource management, environment planning and/or local government legal work to join a team with interesting work on the go. Working in a well-supported, friendly and flat structured team, you'll be mentored across a variety of work, learning from industry specialists. The work will involve: Resource consent appeals Interpreting and applying bylaws and regulations Local government advisory matters Corporate governance Liquor licensing work RMA and regulatory prosecutions and enforcement work Judicial review matters Climate Change and ESG There is a collegial approach in the team, where people have a sense of humour and life outside of work is also valued. Being a flat structured team, means you'll have good one on one partner mentorship in the role as well as work with other seniors. About you You will have: 2+ years' experience within either the RMA, regulatory litigation or public law space - whether gained in a law firm, local govt or in-house; Some working knowledge of the resource management legislative framework would be good; Good drafting skills; A decent university academic record (ideally B average or higher); An interest in further developing your career as a local govt and RMA lawyer. This role might interest you if you're looking for greater variety or wanting to get properly involved in files where you'll have the chance to appear in Court on RMA related matters and learn directly from partners. Those returning from Australia or the UK with relevant experience are also of interest. For further information, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or to apply, send your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Property Lawyer | 2-5 years PQE
The Firm & OpportunityOur client is on the lookout for a switched on property lawyer to work in a friendly and collegial team environment where you'll be working in a close-knit team and mentored by a partner with strong expertise in this area.Conveyancing would be most of the work in this role, the other work would include: commercial leasing, financing matters, relationship property agreements, trusts, estate administration, EPOAs, Wills, business transactions and subdivisions. About you 2+ years experience in residential and commercial property transactions - broader experience would be ideal. Demonstrating that you're a commercial thinker that can provide pragmatic advice. An ability to build rapport with clients and cultivate strong client relationships. If you're looking for a role with a variety of quality legal work in a progressive Central Auckland based firm, then get in touch with us today to find out more. 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.
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Auckland
Corporate / M&A lawyer | Senior
Working with a Corporate partner with strong commercial acumen and a top tier background, you will be able to receive strong one on one partner mentoring in top work. Our client is a trusted advisor to international multi-national businesses to growing kiwi organisations and entrepreneurial clients. They advise clients through different stages of business growth, their M&A deal work (a good portion of the work), joint venture arrangements, shareholder agreements and capital raising work. Their clients span a diverse range of industry sectors and the firm benefits from a flatter structure with partners so you can have a good level of involvement in the work you do and chance to contribute value throughout a deal or matter. The firm has a modern working culture, flexibility and a culture conducive to ongoing training and development, encouraging business development and personal growth. There is definitely room for quick career progression if you show aptitude as the team is looking to grow further. About you: 6+ years solid Corporate legal experience; Experience gained in a top tier firm or highly regarded Corporate team where you've had some M&A experience; An interest in learning and continuing to grow your Corporate legal career; NZ qualified; and Good academics. Perhaps you're wanting to move from a large firm/team to a flatter structured environment that is still well-supported with other lawyers in the team or you'd like to move into an environment where you feel valued and rewarded for your contributions. NZ qualified lawyers looking to return from overseas are encouraged to apply. To discuss further, contact Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or email your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Construction & Commercial Litigation Solicitor | Senior Associate
The Opportunity: As part of a specialist team, working across a few expert partners, you'll be immersed in files which range from high value construction litigation arbitrations and adjudications, to multi-party commercial litigation cases for misleading and deceptive conduct, to breach of director duties claims, complex insolvency cases, shareholder disputes and contractual claims. A firm with Modern offices and systems, you'll be well set-up to exceed. You will get the chance to have time in court if you'd like it, with most of the firms cases being in the High Court. They have a steady pipeline of local (and at times, cross border claims) that you can get involved in and really sink your teeth into. About You: Experience: 7+ years solid litigation experience with some construction experience being desired (but not necessary) Technical Skills: Demonstrating excellent technical skills, particularly in litigation. Collaborative Nature: Ability to work collaboratively with other team members - both junior and senior but also be a self starter. Soft Skills: Ability to mentor junior team members and work on files with a good level of autonomy, with partner support. What's in it for You: Competitive Remuneration: The firm offers a competitive compensation package. Work/Life Balance: Their workplace culture prioritises and nurtures work/life balance. Collaborative Environment: Our client fosters a collaborative, collegial, and inclusive workplace culture. Access to Quality Work: Be part of a team that consistently delivers high-quality work, providing you with valuable experience and opportunities for professional development. You may be at a top tier practice and interested in a flatter structure team environment, with quality work but keen to work in an environment without office politics or long hours, while still being well-remunerated; likewise you may be a construction litigation lawyer looking to advance your career in this field with a firm that does top work and to also contribute to commercial litigation matters. Either way, get in touch to find out if this is the opportunity for you. For a confidential chat, please contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz or click 'APPLY' now.
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