We are seeking a highly experienced commercial lawyer to fill a Principal Legal Counsel role for a six month fixed term to assist with increased workflows and deputise for the General Counsel.

About the role

This 6-month fixed term contract offers the opportunity to work closely with the General Counsel, providing crucial legal advice and ensuring compliance in governance, contracts, and procurement.

Key responsibilities in the role are likely to include:

• Provide legal advice across the organisation, working closely with senior leaders
• Oversee and coordinate the outsourcing of legal advice as required
• Ensure legal compliance, particularly in the areas of governance, contracts, and procurement
• Work within the wider regulatory team to provide expertise and rigor at all levels of the organization

About you

We are seeking a highly experienced commercial lawyer who will be able to hit the ground running in a complex, fast-paced environment.

To be successful in this role, the key requirements include:

• 10+ years PQE in New Zealand commercial law
• Knowledge and experience with public sector procurement requirements
• Understanding and interest in local government
• Strong relationship management skills
• Current New Zealand practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)

This is a great opportunity for a professional looking to make a significant impact within an organisation undergoing significant sector changes.

Fixed Term Contract

6 month fixed term contract - January to June 2025.

Salary circa $200,000 per annum.

Apply now

For more information, please contact Jane Temel at Niche Recruitment on 021 499 902 (from January 6, 2025) or apply now. We will be reviewing applications w/c 6 January and shortlisting as soon as is practical.

Join this supportive Property/Development team in the Bay of Plenty with experienced and approachable mentors and innovative benefits!

The Opportunity

Are you a junior lawyer seeking to join a well-established firm that offers amazing benefits and high-quality work? Our client is a high-quality full-service legal practice in sunny Tauranga that encourages pragmatic working and a healthy lifestyle. They seek a dedicated and skilled Property lawyer to join their friendly and professional team that puts people first to work on a diverse range of contentious matters.

You will enjoy building relationships with quality clients and will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of work, such as residential and commercial conveyancing, providing advice on commercial property and financing matters, as well as trusts and estate planning. Supported by a team of experts within a large well-resourced practice, you will be encouraged to grow and thrive in your legal career with on-going professional development and access to approachable Partners.

A range of benefits with a strong focus on wellness and quality of life and a culture that inspires, nurtures, and rewards effort to complement an excellent base salary commensurate with experience is on offer. There is support, flexibility, and even a car park for your daily use to save on the stress of commuting. The implementation of leading technology will also help you perform at a high level and work efficiently.

If you aspire to take your career further with a well-established firm in a fabulous location, we want to hear from you!

About You

The successful candidate will be committed to providing excellent care for their clients and open to mentoring junior practitioners.

Ideally, you will be:

• A NZ qualified solicitor with ideally 1-5+ years' PQE
• Ideally previous experience in Property law from another private practice
• Strong interpersonal skills and a client care approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Personable and collaborative

If you are interested in knowing more about this opportunity, please get in touch with Meilin Wu at meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz or 021 483 490.

Join a Leading Litigation Firm's Public Law practice

This well-established firm is looking for a dynamic and experienced litigator to join their specialist practice. As one of the leading litigation firms in Aoteroa, they offer a stimulating environment for legal professionals to learn and advance in their careers. 

This is a great opportunity for a litigator who wants to transition away from criminal or civil litigation and try a new area of litigation!

Key Responsibilities:

• Act for a diverse range of public sector entites such as national government, Crown entities, district health boards and professional regulators. 
• Conduct legal research and analysis, draft legal documents, and appear in Court.
• Provide quality legal advice on complex litigation, regulatory enforcement and public law matters.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Have 2-6+ years' PQE in litigation and/or public law, preferably in private practice. 
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team, and provide a client-centred approach.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrate cultural competency and familiarity with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Benefits:

• A competitive remuneration package. 
• Work flexibly in their Auckland or Wellington offices with remote work is also available. 
• A large variety of interesting and challenging work across the litigation and public law.
• Training initiatives and mentoring programmes. 
• Structured time off in lieu policy. 

If you are interested in hearing more about this role, please contact Meilin Wu (LLB/BCom) at meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz or 021 483 490.

The Opportunity

Our client, a boutique legal practice specialising in Resource Management/Environment Law, is seeking a talented lawyer to join their passionate team.

This is your opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of interesting and rewarding work, where you will advise large corporates, regulatory bodies, developers, private individuals and iwi on issues like:

• Resource consents
• Infrastructure projects and Public Works
• Local Government
• Agriculture
• Climate Change
• Land and housing developments
• Major projects (oil, gas, mining, wind farms)
• Iwi interests

About The Team

The team is warm, friendly and deeply passionate about Environmental Law. They have a great sense of humour and are very understanding about personal commitments.

The directors have extensive experience at top-tier firms, and are dedicated to your growth. You can expect:

• Supportive Mentorship: Learn from the best through ongoing support, training and mentorship, and build a thriving career
• Work/Life Balance: Get your māhi done and go home!
• High-quality work: Deliver great results for clients and high quality output

What's in it for you?

• 5 weeks annual leave
• Flexible WFH arrangements
• Genuine work/life balance
• Fun social events
• Free food in the kitchen

About You

We are seeking NZ-qualified lawyers with 2 or more years of experience in Resource Management/Environmental Law.

For highly experienced environmental law/RM practitioners, we have a broader network of firms we can connect you with, so we invite you to kōrero further with us on these opportunities. 

However, if you are a practising lawyer who has always had a passion for this exciting and evolving area of law, please do no hesitate to get in touch! 

How to Apply?

To apply, click the "Apply" or "I'm Interested" button, to submit your CV and a short summary detailing your interest in the role. 

Alternatively, for more information or to kōrero further about the role, please contact: Meilin Wu (LLB.BCom) on 021 483 490 or meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz

• Competitive Salary + excellent workplace culture + stunning heritage offices
• Diverse resource management matters 
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities 

If you're an intermediate to senior RM lawyer looking to make your next move, look no further!

The firm 

Our client is a long established, well-respected full-service Auckland law firm located in stunning, newly refurbished offices in the CBD.

At its heart this firm prides itself on being trusted advisors to its valued client base, some of whom have been with the firm for generations.

With a rare, old-world charm this firm continues to move with the times. It provides an excellent level of client care whilst encouraging and supporting the development and progression of its valued lawyers to be the best they can be. Here you will enjoy a range of benefits including flexible life / work balance, solid team support and so much more. 

About You

We’re looking for:

• A NZ qualified lawyer with 5+ years’ experience (thereabouts) in resource management and unit titles
• The ability to work (mostly) autonomously with Partner support and supervision where required
• A desire to provide an ongoing, personalised level of care to your clients
• Technical ability in both written and verbal communication
• Willingness to mentor and guide more junior members of the team
• A confident, down to earth and professional manner

How to apply?

If you are interested and would like to discuss the role further, please feel free to give me a call for a confidential discussion around how we can assist with your next career move.

To apply click the "Apply" or "I'm Interested" button, or for more information and a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Meilin Wu (LLB BCom) on 021 483 490 or meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz

At Niche Recruitment, we create pathways for exceptional people

About The Firm

This central Auckland law firm is well-established with almost 30 years of serving the Pan-Asian community. They have been a trusted partner providing comprehensive legal solutions in commercial and property law to their clients. They are renowned for theirsupportive and inclusive culture, where diversity is celebrated and valued.

The Role

We are seeking a talented and experienced Property or Commercial Lawyer to join the dynamic team at this firm. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality legal advice and representation to our diverse client base.
• Handle a broad range of commercial or property law matters, including but not limited to:
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts, business sales and transactions. 
  • Overseeing property transactions, conveyancing and subdivisions.
• Liaise with clients, colleagues, and external parties effectively.
• Contribute to the firm’s growth and development.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Has 5 years' PQE in commercial or property law within a private practice. 
• Admitted to practice law and has, or has the ability to hold a practising certificate in New Zealand
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Mandarin
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What We Offer:

• Competitive remuneration package
• Performance-based bonus schemes available
• Secure onsite car parking
• Supportive and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Firm celebrations for cultural holidays

To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter to Meilin Wu at meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz or 021 483 490.

We look forward to hearing from you and wish you a wonderful festive season! 

Solicitor | Civil Litigation

• Flexible working options
• Great culture with regular morning teas
• Carpark + mobile phone

Cut the commute and join this North Shore firm’s energetic and committed litigation team.

The Opportunity

People enjoy working in this firm because they boast a client-first approach and family values. This people-centric culture is reflected in work-life balance which is encouraged at all levels, and the opportunity to work flexibly, including one day remotely a week. Client testimonials speak volumes about the friendly, experienced team of barristers and solicitors at this firm, with client loyalty extending into third generations. Our client works closely in the community, which is reflected through an organically increasing client-base. Forget the bustle and untenable hours of a city practice and read on!

Our client is seeking an intermediate Litigation Lawyer to join their dynamic and close-knit team. Enjoy the support of a supportive Litigation Partner, and work on a varied scope of work, including but not limited to commercial, contentious trusts and estates, employment, and property law litigation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity for remote work/WFH
• Carpark and mobile phone
• Friendly work culture including weekly morning teas

The Ideal You

• A NZ qualified solicitor with ideally 3-5 years' experience 
• Previous experience in civil litigation; this can range from employment, property, commercial, trust and estate disputes. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

We are recruiting for a range of interesting private practice across New Zealand. If you would like to hear about other opportunities, please get in touch with Meilin Wu at meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz or on 021 483 490.

Join a Growing Law Firm in central Auckland with exciting opportunities for development! 

Are you a talented legal professional looking for a challenging and rewarding career?

Our client is a dynamic and forward-thinking law firm with a strong focus on providing exceptional legal services to a diverse client base. They are seeking talented legal professionals to join their growing team in their central Auckland office.

The Firm

This firm offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can develop your skills and advance your career. They are committed to fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and value diversity and innovation.

Available Positions:

• Property/Commercial Team:
  • 2 Solicitors (1-3 years’ PQE)
  • 1 Intermediate Solicitor (3+ years’ PQE)
  • 1 Law Clerk (in the process of obtaining a practicing certificate)
• Litigation Team:
  • 3 Solicitors (1+ years’ PQE)
  • 1 Senior Solicitor (3-5 years’ PQE)
  • 1 Law Clerk (in the process of obtaining a practicing certificate)

Ideal Candidate:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and able to work independently.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• A positive and proactive attitude.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese is highly advantageous but not essential.

What the firm offers:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• A friendly and inclusive team culture.
• The potential to join their Sydney office when it opens in 2026.

To Apply:

Please submit your CV and cover letter to meilin.wu@nicherecruitment.co.nz. We will start reviewing applications from 15 January 2025.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Senior Solicitor (Property), 5+ years' PQE - AKL

Meeting with Practice Manager Desiree 10/09/24:

Desiree is very friendly and warm, and has been with the firm for many decades now. Started in Accounting, worked in Sydney at a law firm, moved back here and helped Armstrong Murray re-do their entire system. Lives in Davenport with her husband and has 3 adult children, and has a property on Great Barrier Island (how nice!). She goes to the gym a lot for her osteoporosis. She says that they haven't had much luck in their recruitment (they put up SEEK ads) and haven't had good applicants. We had coffee at Holy Shot, a cafe in Takapuna, which Armstrong Murray actually helped set up the contracts for. She showed me around the firm's offices too. 

This role:

They want a Property Lawyer with 5+ years' PQE (the level of experience is pretty fixed, and they wouldn't want someone with 10 years' experience either).

They currently have an overseas qualified solicitor who is being admitted soon but they still don't have someone with good NZ experience.

They want someone who is well-versed in conveyancing, commercial leasing, cross lease titles, Occupation Right Agreements, sub-divisions etc.

They ideally want someone who can supervise/manage some of the juniors as well

Ideal candidate/cultural fit: 

• Someone intelligent, experienced, open, friendly, and flexible. The firm is about 24-25 people and they're a good mix of cultures and religions and people are pretty respectful (or they have learned to be!). They all like to watch sport! 
• They have been around for so long that they have done a lot of multi-generational work (up to 3 generations!) - everything from helping a couple buy their first house, set up a small business, set up relationship property agreement, setting up family trusts and estates etc. Very cradle to grave type of firm.
• Ideally someone who will stay with the firm for a while - Desiree and the partners have been at the firm for multiple decades and their children have worked in the firm in some capacity or another somehow (cleaning, admin, law clerking etc.) - so they like that kind of family involvement as well. 

What they can offer:

• Morning tea every Monday morning and finish around 4:30pm on Fridays
• Social activities throughout the year
• WFH one day a week - junior lawyers could benefit from more time in the office, so ideally no more than this.
• Charity fundraisers (they hold a free team lunch/gathering and everyone contributes a little)
• Could maybe squeeze a car park for candidate (I saw 4-5 empty ones)
• Not an open plan office - the solicitors have their own little office (I said this was really nice, but apparently some people prefer open plan)
• Flexibility around family commitments or school events (they are quite understanding about this, as they all have their own families and understand that you can never get back time with your kids)
• Fee budget based on 5 billable hours per day