Job Description

Senior Legal Counsel/Principal Legal Counsel (Employment), 7-10+ years' PQE – AKL

• Employment law and industrial relations focused in-house role
• Collaborative and collegial team environment
• Generous array of benefits on offer

Are you an experienced employment lawyer looking for a varied and impactful role? Our client is seeking a highly skilled Senior or Principal Legal Counsel to join their supportive and collaborative in-house team. If you have a passion for delivering practical and strategic legal solutions, and a proven ability to navigate complex legal landscapes, we would love to hear from you.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role

This is a unique opportunity to provide expert employment and industrial relations advice across a large and diverse public sector organisation.

As a Senior or Principal Legal Counsel, you will act as a trusted advisor to the organisation on all aspects of employment law and industrial relations. In your role you will: deliver expert, practical legal advice; support key projects and initiatives; guide strategy on sensitive employment issues; shape employment relations practices; resolve employment disputes; support collective bargaining processes; advise upon and manage risks; and more.

If appointed as Principal Legal Counsel you would also be expected to take a leadership role within the Employment team, including through mentoring and support of more junior team members, leadership responsibilities in the department, and filling in for the Head of Employment Relations when necessary. 

Ko koe tēnei | About you

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).
• 7 to 10+ years’ PQE, preferably gained within a specialist employment law practice or in employment focused in-house roles.
• Extensive experience in employment law and industrial relations, and a reputation for delivering pragmatic, clear, and accurate legal advice.
• Strong technical skills and the ability to work autonomously, or with minimal supervision.
• Strong stakeholder management, exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, and the ability to influence outcomes in a complex organisational environment.
• Sound judgment and strategic thinking capabilities, as well as professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge, please apply today! Click the 'Apply' button and submit your tailored CV and a copy of your academic transcript. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply promptly.

Alternatively, for more information and a confidential discussion about this position, please contact Katy Elliott on 021 483 490 (katy.elliott@nicherecruitment.co.nz).