_{17th June, 2026}

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-established in-house legal team within public sector organisation. Operating at the heart of decision-making, this role offers genuine variety and the chance to contribute to outcomes that directly impact communities.
  
You’ll be part of a collaborative, high-performing team known for its supportive culture and commitment to delivering pragmatic, high-quality legal advice in a fast-paced environment.
  
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
  
As Senior Legal Counsel, you will take on a broad, generalist portfolio, partnering closely with senior leaders and internal stakeholders to provide clear, pragmatic and commercially grounded legal advice. Your work will span a wide range of matters, including public and administrative law, commercial and procurement contracting, property, environmental, regulatory and enforcement issues, privacy and official information, and organisational governance.
  
In this role, you will be a trusted advisor across the business—supporting complex and high-value projects and contracts, managing legal risk, and helping stakeholders navigate competing legal, commercial and policy considerations. You will be involved early in decision-making processes, shaping outcomes through practical, solutions-focused advice. The position also offers the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing development of the legal function, mentor junior team members, and play a key role in maintaining strong, effective relationships with external counsel and oversight bodies.
  
This is a genuinely dynamic role suited to someone who enjoys variety, autonomy and the opportunity to work across a wide breadth of legal issues within a complex operating environment.
  
Ko koe tēnei | About you
  
You will be a confident and capable senior lawyer who is comfortable working across a wide range of legal matters. You will bring:

• A tertiary qualification in law and a current NZ practising certificate (or ability to hold one)
• A minimum of 6 years’ PQE, at least some of which has been within an in-house environment
• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice across multiple areas of law and the ability to work autonomously
• Strong commercial and contracting experience, including drafting and negotiating complex agreements
• Sound understanding of governance, risk and accountability frameworks in a public sector or regulated environment
• Excellent judgement and the ability to deliver clear, pragmatic advice on complex or sensitive issues
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders
• A collaborative, adaptable approach and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting

An understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the ability to apply this in practice will also be important.
  
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
  
If you are an experienced lawyer with a strong public sector and advisory capability, we invite you to apply. Please click the ‘Apply’ button to submit your CV and a brief cover letter. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, 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).

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