_{26th October, 2026}

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced employment lawyer to join a welcoming, collegial and well-regarded legal team in a large and diverse public sector organisation.
  
Working as one of two dedicated employment lawyers, you will provide high-quality, practical and timely advice across a varied operational environment and partner closely with legal colleagues, People and Capability professionals and senior leaders across the organisation.
  
Based in Wellington, the position is fixed term through to September 2028 and can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 20 hours per week).
  
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About the role
  
The position offers an appealing mix of advisory and contentious work. You will advise on a broad range of employment law and employee relations matters - helping senior leaders and managers navigate sensitive and challenging workplace issues – while also being involved in mediations and in Employment Relations Authority proceedings.
  
Your responsibilities will include advising senior leaders and managers on employment law matters and associated legal risks; partnering with People and Capability colleagues to develop effective strategies for resolving workplace issues; providing guidance on compliance and appropriate employment practises / procedures; supporting dispute resolution, including attending mediations and representing the organisation before the Employment Relations Authority; and acting as instructing solicitor and working with external counsel, where required.
  
Ko koe tēnei | About you
  
You will be comfortable advising senior stakeholders, navigating sensitive issues and maintaining a clear and appropriately robust position when needed. You will bring sound judgment, discretion and the ability to balance legal risk with practical organisational outcomes.
  
Ideally, you will have:

• a Bachelor of Laws and a current practising certificate, or the ability to obtain one;
• at least five years’ post-qualification experience, including significant employment law experience;
• strong mediation experience and experience conducting litigation before the Employment Relations Authority;
• significant employment law advisory experience, including experience advising employers or organisational clients;
• excellent analytical, communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills;
• the ability to work autonomously, and to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders when required; and
• the resilience and composure to work effectively in a challenging and fast-paced environment.

Experience advising government clients or working within a government organisation would be beneficial but is not essential. Strong employer-side employment law experience and the ability to understand a large operational environment will be particularly valuable.
  
Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply
  
If you are a seasoned employment lawyer looking for a varied in-house opportunity and meaningful public sector work, we would welcome your application. To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position.
  
Applications close at 5.00 pm on Sunday, 8 November 2026, however applications will be reviewed as they are received, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
  
For further information or a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Katy Elliott on 021 483 490 (katy.elliott@nicherecruitment.co.nz).

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