WHO WE ARE
Our service delivery proposition is simple - deliver high quality recruitment outcomes for the New Zealand legal sector.
The CoLegal brand is newly established in 2021, but our legal recruitment practice has been operating since 2016 as part of multi-disciplinary agency Cobalt Recruitment. Auckland based but with a national and international reach we recruit professional legal and legal support roles at all levels of business for private practice and in-house positions.
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Anand Ranchhod
Managing Director
Anand started off his career as a property and commercial lawyer, gaining experience working in smaller and larger NZ law firms. As many kiwis do, he went on his OE in the UK for a couple of years, and worked as Legal Counsel for a leading financial services organisation in London. Eventually, he felt the pull back home which is where he shifted in to legal recruitment in 2015. Anand made the move into legal recruitment because it combined his passion for working with people, but also allowed him to use his legal experience and connections to help employers find top legal talent as well as guide lawyers through their careers – something that he finds personally very rewarding. Anand holds an LLB and BCom (marketing major) degree from the University of Auckland. He also has received a Prince2 practitioner qualified certification for project management.Anand has been externally recognised for his work in legal recruitment - he was the winner of the 2022 RCSA Recruitment Professional of the Year Award and the winner of the 2020 RCSA Rising Star Award. Outside of work, he may be spotted around a new haunt in town, cycling through the Eastern bays or chasing his Greyhound through a park (usually out of breath trying to catch up with him!).
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Liz Sloan
Principal Consultant
Liz has been working in legal recruitment for several years and specialises in sourcing lawyers and legal support staff for both private practice and in-house roles across the South Island. She has a real passion for connecting people with a job that will be a perfect fit for their career goals and finding the best talent for firms and businesses in order to help their teams succeed.Born and bred in Christchurch, Liz enjoys building relationships with her clients and candidates across the country and enjoys the challenge of finding the best possible outcome for both parties. Liz has had a varied career, working in the wine industry, health and fitness community and personal coaching and development. It was in this last role that she realised the importance a person’s job has on their overall life satisfaction and health and wellbeing. It was this interest in helping people find work that they love that led her to recruitment.Outside the office, Liz enjoys working out at the gym, reading, exploring a new restaurant or café or listening to an inspiring podcast.
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Simone Macdonald
Principal Consultant - Legal Support
Simone started her recruitment career in 2015, specialising in Business Support, Finance & Accounting prior to joining CoLegal in 2021. She joined CoLegal as she has always been fascinated with the legal sector and now uses her skills to recruit exceptional legal support talent to strengthen law firms and organisations with candidates that add value from the get-go. She enjoys spending quality time with individuals and clients to ensure she better understands the needs and requirements of each to establish solid career and recruiting decisions for both parties. Prior to recruitment Simone started her career in travel where she was able to see the world and explore, which suited her to a tee as she is naturally adventurous.When Simone is not in the office you will often find her in amongst nature, walking, hiking as well as being surrounded by her friends and family as she loves being social, having a laugh and creating memories.
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Bob Kou
Senior Consultant
Bob has over 10 years' experience as a specialist Legal & Compliance recruiter within an international context. Bob started his career in legal recruitment after graduating from the Brunel University of London with a Marketing and Branding degree. He then moved into Recruitment and begun placing Lawyers and Professionals into roles ranging from Legal Counsel to Head of Legal within multi-national organisations, as well as Lawyers within leading law firms in China and NZ.Before joining CoLegal, Bob worked in Legal recruitment for a global recruitment agency as well as the longest-established boutique legal recruitment agency across Asia. Bob, along with his wife moved to New Zealand in 2023. Bob is excited to use his legal recruitment skills to assist clients and candidates in achieving top outcomes and adding value to their searches. In his spare time, Bob enjoys travelling to unique and wonderful places or going on a hike with his family and friends. He's also an avid basketball fan so if you need to consult with him for your legal career or anything basketball related, he is the go-to person.
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Guy Davidson
Director
Guy has been working in recruitment since 2007 when he joined Cobalt Recruitment in London. In 2009 he set Cobalt up in New Zealand where he ran it for the UK based group business until July 2020 at which point he bought the NZ business interests from the group. He is now Director/Co-Owner of three high performing specialist recruitment business's including CoLegal which he set up with his business partners, Adam Walker and Anand Ranchhod. The move to legal recruitment was a natural transition for Guy who has a personal relationship with the sector via his father Nick who was both a lawyer and a Judge over his long career.Guy has an unshakeable belief that engaging with a high quality recruitment consultancy is one of the most valuable service relationships any business will hold. Winning the battle for talent is only going to become more challenging and agencies like CoLegal are positioned to help employers overcome that challenge.Outside of voicing his opinions on what good recruitment looks like, Guy is kept fully occupied by his young family, love of sports and the occasional glass of good red.
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Kimberly Champion
Group Operations Manager
Kimberly has over a decade of operations management experience working with a range of different NZ businesses. Since entering into the recruitment industry back in 2016, she is now providing Group Operations Management for CoLegal and two other specialised recruitment brands. She is absolutely the glue that binds business operations allowing our consultants to focus all of their energy on working with clients and candidates. She brings a highly analytical, solution-focused approach to her work and is always obsessively looking for improvements that can be made, to the detriment of her famous "to-do" list! When she isn't in the office or making the long commute to the Waitakere Ranges, you’ll find Kimberly watching American motorsports with her family and a cold glass of rose!
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Clara Gozzetti
Office and Brand Coordinator
Clara Gozzetti is a young marketing professional who joined CoLegal in mid-2025, bringing with her two years of hands-on marketing experience. With a background in the multi-disciplinary engineering sector, she is ready to bring her skills, knowledge and creativity to the world of recruitment. At CoLegal, Clara plays a dual role. As our in-house marketing lead, she’s responsible for driving brand visibility, engagement and creating our online content. Alongside this, she ensures smooth day-to-day operations of our beautiful Auckland office.Outside of work, you’ll often find Clara at a live concert, discovering a new coffee spot, or enjoying a walk up Mount Eden.
FIND THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU
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Auckland
Practice Manager (part time)
Our client is a highly regarded specialist litigation firm with a longstanding reputation for delivering exceptional outcomes to clients. Known for its collaborative culture, technical excellence, and people first approach, the firm works closely with leading corporate, financial services, and private sector clients across a broad range of complex matters. About the Role:Reporting directly to the Partnership, this is a broad and hands on Practice Manager position that combines operational leadership, financial administration, people management, and client engagement. You'll work closely with the Partners and have responsibility for one direct report, playing a key role in ensuring the practice operates efficiently and continues to deliver an exceptional client experience. Key responsibilities include: Overseeing the day-to-day operational management of the practice Supporting trust account administration and liaising with external providers where required Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and key stakeholders Assisting with business development initiatives, client events, and practice growth opportunities Supporting the Partnership with reporting, process improvement, resource planning, and team management About You: You are a proactive and adaptable practice management professional who enjoys being at the centre of a busy and successful legal practice. With a natural leadership style and a hands on approach, you're equally comfortable managing operational priorities, supporting people, and engaging directly with clients. To be successful in this role, you will bring: Previous experience in a law firm environment, ideally within litigation Familiarity with trust account administration and legal practice processes Strong business development and relationship management skills, with confidence in client facing situations Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build credibility at all levels Strong organisational skills, commercial awareness, and a solutions focused mindset What's on Offer: This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected and high performing firm that genuinely values flexibility, collaboration, and professional growth. You'll be trusted to make an impact, work closely with an engaged Partnership, and contribute to the ongoing success of a well established practice. In return, you can expect: A competitive salary package based on experience Flexible part time hours, working 3-4 days per week A supportive, down to earth culture with strong tenure and leadership accessibility The opportunity to play a strategic and visible role within a successful specialist firm To find out more, contact Simone Macdonald on 021 190 0975, email your CV to simone@colegal.co.nz, or click Apply Now.
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Auckland
Employment Lawyer | Senior Associate
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high performing employment law team that works with clients across the country. This firm is known for their client-focused approach and collaborative work-style as well as having a modern approach to systems and technology. The Role:We are looking for a lawyer at Senior Associate level who has deep expertise in employment law and is ready for the next step in their career. This firm works across all areas including personal grievances, compliance, restructures, performance management, restraints of trade, medical incapacity, health and safety and human rights and is sought out for their expertise and reputation. You'll work with a client base that will expose you to high value complex claims but also some smaller employment advisory projects so there will be plenty of variety. About you:We are looking for someone who is a great team player, has a passion for employment law and wants to continue to develop and specialise their career in this space. Working with lawyers across the country who are experts in this field, you'll have the chance to learn from well respected leaders in a supportive and inclusive culture. You'll represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and proceedings before the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court. You'll be someone who enjoys mentoring and developing junior lawyers too. What's on Offer: Competitive market salary for the region Clear progression pathways Flexible environment with hybrid working available For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Liz Sloan at CoLegal Recruitment – liz@colegal.co.nz or 027 211 6718. Looking for something different? We recruit for legal roles across New Zealand so if you’re looking for a change, let’s have a chat about the market. View our full list of legal roles here: www.colegal.co.nz/jobs
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Auckland
Property Lawyer | Intermediate Level
About the client This is a unique opportunity to join a close knit team on the North Shore of Auckland in a role that will see you involved in residential and commercial conveyancing transactions, unit title matters, commercial leasing arrangements, subdivision and property development projects, trusts, estates, Wills, EPoAs, asset planning and some commercial law work. There are good working hours, so you'd have a life outside of work. While you'd be expected to provide a good service to clients, the firm doesn't have high billing targets or pressure in that regard. The firm has a positive working culture where staff are treated with respect and a tailored approach is taken to career development. There is the ability to have 1 day WFH once settled into the role or flex and the firm is very much innovative and forward thinking in its approach. About you The ideal person will have: 3+ years' PQE, with experience in property transactional matters as part of your overall experience. Some NZ based private practice legal experience is a must; An ability to build rapport with clients and cultivate strong client relationships; Be a team player who is willing to help; and Good communication and problem solving skills. Who this might appeal to Perhaps you're looking to join a more modern firm, with good systems and a great team culture or you're keen to progress and don't see that where you are - either way, get in touch to see if this opportunity is for you. For a confidential chat, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or Bob Kou on 027 274 5926 or send your CV and academic transcript to anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Dunedin
Employment Lawyer
This is a rare opportunity to join a high performing employment law team and be based out of Dunedin! This firm is known for their client-focused approach and collaborative work-style as well as having a modern approach to systems and technology. The Role:We are looking for a lawyer around 3+ years PQE who has experience in (and is passionate about) employment law. This firm works across all areas including personal grievances, compliance, restructures, performance management, restraints of trade, medical incapacity, health and safety and human rights and is sought out for their expertise and reputation. About you:We are looking for someone who is a great team player, has a genuine passion for employment law and wants to continue to develop and specialise their career in this space. Working with lawyers across the country who are experts in this field, you'll have the chance to learn from well respected leaders in a supportive and inclusive culture. You'll represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and proceedings before the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.What's on Offer: Competitive market salary for the region Clear progression pathways Flexible environment with hybrid working For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Liz Sloan at CoLegal Recruitment – liz@colegal.co.nz or 027 211 6718. Looking for something different? We recruit for legal roles across New Zealand so if you’re looking for a change, let’s have a chat about the market. View our full list of legal roles here: www.colegal.co.nz/jobs
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Auckland
Senior Legal Counsel | Disputes
About the opportunityWe are working with an organisation that has been recognised as a leading employer to work for in NZ and is looking to add to its close-knit in-house legal team. In this role you'd be working with various areas of the business, including interfacing with the executive leadership team, to advise on policy coverage matters, regulatory disputes, claims management, dealing with restraint of trade issues, reviewing contracts for risk and working with teams to successfully negotiate resolutions. You'll be supported by working with external counsel where needed. You'd also be using skills in providing training within the business on relevant legal matters where needed and helping manage stakeholder relationships.This role has a good work / life balance, with the ability to do 1 day WFH and can provide flex on start and finish times if needed. The organisation culture is supportive and down to earth. There are also some good benefits you'll get in the role (e.g. ability to earn bonuses, medical and life insurance).About you 6+ years PQE with solid dispute resolution experience (ideally with some insurance and/or in-house experience, but that isn't a must) Strong communication and interpersonal skills Commercially minded, with the ability to resolve claims in a manner that considers business risk. A self starter that can work independently as well as part of a team. This is a great opportunity for a litigator to make your first in-house move or a Legal Counsel to move into an organisation that is well-established and provides room to grow into a strategic role. For further information, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926, email your CV to bob@colegal.co.nz, or click APPLY now.
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Christchurch
Senior Property / Commercial Lawyer
The Role Our client is a full service firm that operates a bit differently! With a focus on team collaboration and a genuine interest in being immersed in their community this is a great opportunity for someone who wants to do great legal work in an environment that encourages healthy work/life balance. We are looking for a Senior Associate with a desire to move into a Partnership position in the near future, or a Partner who is looking for change of working style. We need someone with strong experience across residential and commercial property law – experience in private client work such as trusts and estates would be beneficial too. About You We are seeking someone who is team player, who enjoys mentoring and developing other people and who wants to take the next step in their career into a leadership position. You’ll be someone who enjoys delivering a great outcome for your client and is looking to work in a firm that cares about their team as well as creating an environment with plenty of downtime and good work / life balance. What’s on Offer Competitive market salary within the Christchurch market Flexible hours including 1 day wfh each week Additional leave options Annual wellbeing bonus Clear pathway to Partnership For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Liz Sloan at CoLegal Recruitment – liz@colegal.co.nz or 027 211 6718. Looking for something different? We recruit for legal roles across New Zealand so if you’re looking for a change, let’s have a chat about the market. View our full list of legal roles here: www.colegal.co.nz/jobs
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Christchurch
Litigation Solicitor
Our client is part of a specialist litigation team who is looking for a Senior Associate with civil or commercial litigation experience to join their team. Specialising in complex disputes, this firm covers a wide variety of legal matters pertaining to commercial, construction, separations, employment, public regulatory work, insolvency and private wealth issues. The Role This is an excellent opportunity to join a tight-knit team with direct access to Partners who are well-known and well regarded in the litigation space in Christchurch. You'll get regular court attendance, including High Court trial work and there's a clear progression pathway here, if desired. About You We are seeking someone ambitious who wants to develop their litigation career with a team that is rapidly growing in Christchurch and taking on interesting and complex legal work. As long as your background is across some form of civil or commercial litigation, we'd be interested to discuss what areas you focus on and where you'd like to take your career. What’s on Offer Above market salary within the Christchurch market Flexible hours including 1 day wfh each week Direct, hands-on work with Partners Great location in the Christchurch CBD For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Liz Sloan at CoLegal Recruitment – liz@colegal.co.nz or 027 211 6718. Looking for something different? We recruit for legal roles across New Zealand so if you’re looking for a change, let’s have a chat about the market. View our full list of legal roles here: www.colegal.co.nz/jobs
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Auckland
Legal Secretary | Banking & Finance
This industry leading Auckland Law firm is currently seeking an experienced Legal Secretary in either commercial property, corporate or banking and finance. You will be an integral member of a high-performing and deadline driven team that strives to deliver beyond expectations for its authors. Being a part of this team will allow you to thrive in a collaborative team environment that offers ongoing training and development.About the Role:Supporting the Partners and the wider Banking and Finance team, you will be assisting in all general secretarial duties as well as liaising with internal stakeholders and answering general enquiries from clients. This may include: Preparing documentation including loan and other financing documents, reports, statements and presentations Document and file management within the dedicated system Preparing end of month billing for final review Transcribing digital dictation About You: The ideal candidate will have previous legal secretarial experience, exceptional attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. You'll be a proactive team player with strong communication skills, a professional approach, and a genuine interest in developing your career within Banking & Finance. Confidence working with legal documentation, building relationships, and supporting busy fee earners will be key to your success in this role. A confident user of legal tech and software Be a team player that is driven to exceed expectations and go above and beyond to ensure your team is set up for success Organised and methodical in your working style, with an approachable and open communication style What's in it for you:You will be a part of a friendly, and down to earth team environment. This firm also offers ongoing training, learning, and development to ensure all employees are engaged and thriving in the workplace. A starting salary of $75,000 - $88,000 + Kiwisaver dependent on experience Career progression with scope into a Legal Executive capacity This is an onsite role Monday to Friday To find out more, contact Simone Macdonald on 021 190 0975, email your CV to Simone@colegal.co.nz, or click Apply Now.
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Auckland
Operations Manager | Law firm
Our client is a highly respected boutique professional services firm with a reputation for excellence, long standing client relationships, and a genuinely collaborative culture. As the business continues to evolve, they are looking to appoint a Operations Manager to support the Directors and oversee the smooth running of the firm.This opportunity can be tailored to suit the successful candidate. Whether you're an established Operations Manager seeking a broad leadership role or a senior Legal EA looking to take the next step into practice management, the scope and responsibilities can flex to align with your experience and capability. About the Role:Reporting directly to the Directors, this is a highly visible position that sits at the centre of the business. You'll be responsible for ensuring the firm operates efficiently while supporting its people, processes, and ongoing growth. For a more experienced Operations or Office Manager, the role offers the opportunity to contribute at a strategic level, while for those looking at stepping into their first operational role, it provides a unique pathway into leadership with strong support from the Directors. Key responsibilities may include: Coordinating the day-to-day operations of the practice to ensure everything runs smoothly Supporting financial administration, billing processes, reporting, and liaison with external providers Managing office operations, systems, suppliers, facilities, and IT requirements Supporting people related activities including onboarding, employee engagement, and HR administration Partnering with the Directors on business improvement initiatives, operational projects, and practice management matters About You: You could be an experienced Practice Manager looking for your next challenge, or a senior Legal EA who has been the trusted right hand to senior leaders and is ready to step into a broader operational role. Either way, you'll be organised, proactive, commercially minded, and motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a successful business. To be successful, you'll bring: Previous experience in a law firm as either a Practice Manager, Office Manager, Operations Manager, Senior Legal EA, or comparable professional services role Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities Excellent communication skills with the confidence to build relationships across all levels A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a willingness to take ownership Sound commercial acumen and an interest in the operational side of running a successful business What's in it for You? This is a rare opportunity to join a highly regarded boutique firm where you'll work closely with respected leaders and have genuine visibility across the business. The culture is collaborative, supportive, with a strong emphasis on trust, autonomy, and quality. Whether you're taking your first step into an operations based role or bringing established experience to the table, the role offers the flexibility to shape your contribution, broaden your skillset, and build a long term career within a business that values its people and invests in their success.To find out more, contact Simone Macdonald on 021 190 0975, email your CV to simone@colegal.co.nz, or click Apply Now.
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Auckland
Junior Trusts & Private Client Lawyer
About the firmThis is an opportunity to join a thriving team that represents a multi-generational client base including elder clients, high net worth individuals and investors. This is a role where you will receive good training in working with private clients to 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 (contracting out agreements, separation agreements etc) and dealing with issues that arise in those spaces too. About the teamThe team works flexibly and there is an expert partner that is there for mentorship, as well as other lawyers that you will work alongside too. If you'd like to join a practice that does quality work while retaining a decent work/life balance, then enquire now. About youTo be successful in this role, you will ideally have: 1-3 years' experience in general practice legal work or in a team with exposure to private client legal matters; An ability to communicate well and build rapport with a range of private clients from different backgrounds and ages; A good academic record, ideally B average or better. Perhaps you're in a general practice law firm and keen to join a city firm where you can really be mentored to grow your skills or you're working at a larger firm and keen to be in a team that will enable growth allowing for greater client contact in the role. Whichever the case, get in touch to find out more about this excellent role. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Legal Executive | Corporate
With an idyllic CBD location, this firm has a strong modern approach to working styles, offering state of the art operating systems, and a flat structure business model really sets them apart in the market. Top that off with the ability to grab the attention of some hard-hitting clients makes this a unique and exciting opportunity. The Role: Reporting to the Corporate Partner and working in a team of fee earners inclusive of a secretary and admin support, you will be able to align yourself with a high performing and driven team. This is a fast paced and dynamic firm where you will be working with commercial clients on corporate governance, company, and shareholder resolutions, company office administration, Companies Act research, and completing due diligence on the sale and purchase of business assets, as well as delivering first drafts on precedents and legal documentation. About You:This role would suit a Legal Executive that is currently working within a dedicated commercial team or currently in-house and looking to come back into the private sector. 3+ years experience as a Registered Legal Executive in a similar role Understanding and knowledge of the Companies Office People focused, able to work in a cohesive and collaborative environment, keen to exceed expectations To be successful in this role you will thrive in a fast-paced and energetic working environment. You will have exposure to complex and detailed transactions as well as being supported in the work you do. What's on Offer: You will be joining like minded individuals who are high performing and driven by exceeding expectations. You will be a part of a team where successes are celebrated, and problems are solved together. They are an engaged, tight knit, and supportive group that are values driven. For further information, contact Simone Macdonald on 021 190 0975 or email your CV to simone@colegal.co.nz or by clicking APPLY now.
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