We have deep experience recruiting professional staff for law firms right across the country. While our offices are based in Auckland, we work with clients on opportunities up and down New Zealand covering all major centres and regional areas. We are constantly expanding and maintaining our active and passive candidate networks to ensure we offer an accurate, efficient and timely response to our clients requirements.
The roles we recruit for and the practice areas we cover are as follows:
Solicitor
Senior Solicitor
Associate
Senior Associate
Special Counsel / Principal
Partner
Legal practice areas we have industry knowledge and opportunities in:
Property
General Practice
Commercial
Corporate / M&A
Construction
Intellectual property
Technology
Dispute Resolution / Litigation
Insurance
Resource Management
Tax
Trusts & Private Wealth planning
Competition Law
Public law
FIND THE NEXT ROLE FOR YOU
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Wellington
Senior Litigator or Partner
Our client is a well-established Wellington CBD practice that has a unique opportunity for a Senior Associate, Special Counsel or existing partner to step into a well-established firm that has a loyal and longstanding client base, to further the grow the practice in the insurance and commercial litigation space. You'll have the experience of other partners to support you in the role in terms of BD efforts and management. They're looking for someone that has a proven track record in resolving complex claims and coming from a reputable practice (those with relevant in-house experience will be considered also). What you need to succeed: 10+ years legal experience with solid experience in litigation work, with some experience resolving insurance related disputes; NZ qualified lawyer; Driven to be a leader and expert in your field; and Ability to mentor juniors. A transferable client base is not needed but having networks in the insurance and corporate legal field would be. What's more important is your ability to maintain good relationships with clients, mentor junior staff members and contribute to the firm's existing positive working culture, as you grow your practice. You may be a partner that is looking to move into a practice with a better working environment and management or perhaps you're at a Senior Associate / Special Counsel level and feeling blocked from progression where you currently are. This is a firm with a sound reputation and infrastructure in place to support you in managing your client relationships and developing a high performing team. All enquiries and applications will be treated in strict confidence. For a confidential chat, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV at anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking APPLY now.
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Auckland
Family Law & RP Solicitor | 3+ years PQE
The Firm & Opportunity An exciting growth opportunity has come up for a 3+ years PQE level lawyer to strengthen our client's family law and RP practice. The firm has an established client base that provides a steady flow of files to work on a range of matters. The partners encourage a culture that is welcoming, approachable, supportive and flexible, allowing you to develop your skills and progress internally at the firm. This role works across the full gamut of family law and RP work which includes helping individuals protect their assets in a relationship, navigating through complex separations and dealing with childcare and custody arrangements, protection orders, adoptions, surrogacies, as well as drafting separation agreements and contracting out agreements. In this role, you will also have all the support you need to develop your legal skills in the family law and private client area. There is a good balance of being able to work autonomously on files, mentorship and being given opportunities to go to Court, as they arise. There is room to grow in this role into a more senior position. About you 3+ years PQE experience in family law gained in either working in a specialist family law team or you may have general practice legal experience with a focus on family law matters, or be currently supporting a family law barrister; Strong interpersonal skills; Natural leadership skills; and An interest to develop your skills further in the family law field. If you're looking to hone your skills in family law and RP within a firm that has a strong reputation for its work and support systems in place to allow you to advance your career with building your leadership skills, then get in touch with us today. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Christchurch
Senior Property Solicitor
About the Firm:Our client is a well-established law firm with a long history of providing legal support within the Canterbury region. Like many firms in Christchurch, they've recently made a move into new premises and offer a great location within the CBD. This full service firm works across various areas of law and are now looking to hire a Senior Property Solicitor to lead their Property team. The Role: We are looking for a skilled senior Solicitor with expertise in property and conveyancing law with a minimum of 4 years of experience working in New Zealand Property law. Key responsibilities will include: Leading a team to work collaboratively and provide the best outcomes and results for their clients Handling residential and commercial property transactions, including sales, purchases, and leases Advising on subdivision and development agreements Maintaining regulatory compliance Developing and mentoring a team of junior lawyers and support staff This is a full time opportunity with a clear structure for progression including a pathway to partnership down the line (if desired). Property and conveyancing experience is a must, but we are open to someone who also wants to explore other areas of law in conjunction with this and there is room to grow and expand your skills within the firm. About You: Qualified Solicitor with a current New Zealand practising certificate 4+ years of recent experience in property and conveyancing law Strong knowledge of New Zealand property law and conveyancing processes Someone who enjoys developing and mentoring junior staff members This mid-sized firm is professional but down-to-earth, love to have a laugh and ambitiously work to be the best for themselves and their clients. We are looking for someone with the same level of drive - while they pride themselves on no over time hours required, we do want someone who aims for excellence and wants to do their best work. What’s On Offer: Competitive salary Modern offices within the CBD Carpark / carparking allowance Southern Cross Health Insurance Birthday leave Work / life balance Clear progression structures + pathway to partnership For a confidential chat about this opportunity, contact Liz Sloan on 027 211 6718 or send your CV and academic record to liz@colegal.co.nz. Alternatively, click APPLY now to submit your application.
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Tauranga
Senior Litigation Solicitor
Senior Litigation Lawyer – Make Your Mark in the Bay of Plenty This is not your run-of-the-mill litigation role. If you're looking for meaningful courtroom experience, high-quality files, and the chance to work on complex disputes that will challenge and stretch you professionally, this is your brief. Join a litigation practice that stands out not just for the calibre of its clients, but for the way its people work together. With a team of over 20 skilled litigators, you'll find yourself in excellent company, collaborating on a broad spectrum of matters including civil, commercial, regulatory, trust and estate, and insolvency disputes. You'll be appearing at all court levels, and your work will also include mediation and arbitration. You won’t be stuck behind a desk; client contact and advocacy are very much part of the day-to-day here. Based in Tauranga, you’ll enjoy all the lifestyle benefits of the Bay of Plenty while continuing to build a career on par with big city opportunities. The firm has a long-standing reputation for excellence, and it offers a clear path for progression alongside structured mentoring, regular professional development, and internal training. Travel across the country for hearings is part of the job, so if you’re seeking variety and visibility in your work, this will appeal. What you’ll bring: NZ qualified & admitted Lawyer 5+ years PQE in litigation & dispute resolution from a reputable NZ firm Sound communication skills and a confident courtroom presence A strong academic background (B average or higher) Judges’ Clerks and more senior practitioners are also welcome to apply Those seeking part-time arrangements will be considered What’s on offer: High-quality disputes work for top-tier clients Flexible working options Genuine mentorship and growth within the team A friendly, collegiate culture with regular social events The chance to live in one of New Zealand’s most desirable regions This role suits someone who wants to be in court, not just reading about it. If you're looking to take the next serious step in your litigation career and want the best of both worlds, challenging work and a more balanced lifestyle, then this is your opportunity. Are you ready to make the move? For a confidential chat, contact Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Resource management lawyer | Senior Associate
An excellent opportunity for someone looking for a firm where they can grow, with room for progression towards future partnership. As part of a national and full service practice, you'll be able to draw on the expertise of other lawyers where needed. The firm takes a values based approach and this encourages collaboration within the team. About the roleThe work will be diverse and high quality, with clients across various industries such as water, energy, farming and infrastructure development, you'll cover the full gamut of RMA legal work. In this role, you'll see yourself working on complex resource consenting, planning matters, enforcement matters, judicial review decisions, public law matters and infrastructure-related project matters.You'd assist with mentoring juniors and help prepare for Environment Court hearings on some larger-scale disputes as well as provide day to day advice to the clients.About you 7+ years Resource Management / Litigation experience Experience gained in a resource management law firm or a well-regarded team, where you have hands on experience. We would consider those where in-house experience may have formed part of your experience. Someone who is commercially and practically minded, as well as with good technical legal skills. To discuss further, contact Anand Ranchhod 027 2746 186, or email your CV and academic transcript to anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Wellington
Banking & Finance Lawyer | Senior Associate
The chance to work with a blue-chip clientele on high-end transactions. A fantastic position within a top banking team. We are recruiting for a Senior Associate to join a highly acclaimed Banking & Finance team that is high-performing, close-knit and works on top-market deals. In this role, you will be working across a few banking and finance partners on a range of transactions including structured financing, asset financing, leveraged financing, corporate finance, securitisation, project financing, and general banking & finance work - varied work is on offer. The clientele includes the leading financial institutions, public entities and private investors, and the team works across a range of sectors. The culture at this firm is friendly, supportive, progressive, and allows for flexible working to suit your preferred working style. You will also get hands on client relationship management responsibilities so this isn't just a back-office role. About you: 6+ years PQE in Banking and Finance (Corporate, in-house and/or Insolvency work may form part of your experience); Ability to hold an NZ practising certificate; and Experience gained within a top law firm or within an appropriate in-house legal team of a financial services organisation. Flexibility and part time hours may be a possibility, as the right support systems can be provided around this if you have solid relevant experience in this area. If you're looking at a return in the forseeable future or are a common law qualified Banking lawyer interested in a relocation to NZ, then enquire now. Top remuneration and benefits are on offer for the right person. For a confidential chat, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or send your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz.All applications are treated with the strictest of confidence.
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Auckland
Senior Construction & Major Projects Lawyer
Senior Construction & Major Projects Lawyer A leading construction practice is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join its dedicated construction team. You’ll be joining one of the most respected teams in New Zealand, the team specialising in transactional, advisory and project based commercial construction and infrastructure matters - you'll be at the forefront of projects that shape our infrastructure and landscape. The Role The successful candidate will: Advise key industry participants on all aspects of planning, procurement, tendering, and delivery of major projects. Work with an impressive and growing client base, including central and local government, listed companies and investors. Lead projects, working directly with clients and their teams to deliver expert legal advice across sectors such as transport, energy, utilities, and large-scale commercial developments. Be involved in joint ventures, project structuring matters and drafting and negotiating terms under the Construction Contracts Act. Support and mentor a team of talented junior and intermediate solicitors. About You The ideal candidate will bring: 6+ years of commercial construction experience (this may form part of your background in corporate, infra or commercial property work). Strong intellectual and commercial acumen. A collaborative, energetic, and results-driven approach. Those interested to consider a move back into a firm from an in-house background would be of interest. The Team This collegial and highly capable team is committed to excellence and achieving outstanding results for their clients. With a supportive and vibrant culture, this opportunity offers significant professional growth and the chance to work on some of New Zealand's most exciting projects. 1 day WFH possible. Why Join? This is an opportunity to advance your career with a market leader in major construction projects that you can sink your teeth into. If you are seeking a role that combines challenging, meaningful work with a supportive and inclusive environment, this team could be the perfect fit. Next StepsTo discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926 or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or apply by clicking 'APPLY' now. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion.
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Wellington
Employment Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm This is an opportunity to join a leading full-service firm in a diverse employment law role. Working under the mentorship of an established employment law / litigation partner, as part of a full-service law firm, you'll be a part of a close-knit employment law team where you will receive direct training and mentorship. The Work As an integral part of the team, you'll take on a high level of responsibility from the outset, gaining hands-on experience across a broad range of employment law matters. You'll work on both contentious and advisory issues, acting for a well-balanced mix of employer and employee clients. Your work will include restructuring advice, disciplinary investigations, personal grievance claims, bullying and discrimination matters, policy development, and preparation for mediations and ERA hearings. There’s also scope to get involved in health and safety work. This role offers a strong platform to refine your drafting and advocacy skills while deepening your expertise in complex employment law matters. About You: 3+ years PQE in employment law gained in either the context of a private practice or in-house role or an employment relations role (if employment was part of your litigation experience that will also be considered); A genuine interest in building your employment law career; High standard of written and verbal communication skills; Decent academics and already be admitted to the bar; and B average or higher in law grades. Perhaps you're looking for greater hands on and advocacy based employment law experience, or maybe you're looking to specialise in this area - either way, get in touch to find out more. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926 or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or apply by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Trusts, Estates and RP Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
About the firm This is an opportunity to join a thriving city based practice that represents a multi-generational client base, including high net worth individuals and investors to your everyday individuals. This is a role where you can work with a good level of autonomy with private clients and 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. You'll be able to collaborate with other teams on matters (e.g. the litigation team and barristers in relation to private client related disputes). You'd be a part of a full service practice, and the firm has a great social environment, supportive of CPD and upskilling. About the team The team works flexibly, and there is an expert partner that is there for mentorship, as well as other lawyers that you will help mentor and work with as part of the team too. If you'd like to join a practice that does quality work while retaining a decent work/life balance, then enquire now. About you To be successful in this role, you will ideally have: 3+ years' solid legal experience with a decent amount of trusts, and private client experience gained in a general practice law firm or specialist team (this may form part of your experience only); An ability to communicate well and build rapport with a range of private clients from different backgrounds and ages; Sound drafting skills and the ability to provide advice in a clear and concise manner; Strong interpersonal skills. This is a unique opportunity to join a growing team, where you can continue to build your skills and be mentored by an industry best. To discuss further, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or email your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or click QUICK APPLY now.
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Whangarei
3+ year PQE Commercial, Property & Private Client Lawyer
Commercial, Property & Private Client Lawyer Looking for meaningful work, great people, and a better lifestyle balance? Our Client is on the lookout for a lawyer with 3+ years PQE to join their team. You’ll be working across a mix of commercial, property, and private client matters. Think business sales and purchases, residential and rural property, trusts, estates and more. The work is varied and interesting, and you’ll be supported by smart, friendly people who know their stuff and enjoy what they do. Why this role? You’ll get: A mix of good-quality work with loyal clients Mentoring and support from experienced partners and senior lawyers A genuinely supportive environment that cares about your development Access to modern offices, great tech and resources A focus on wellbeing: fresh fruit, decent coffee, regular morning teas A busy social calendar with firm events throughout the year A competitive salary and a great lifestyle in Northland Who we’re looking for: A lawyer with 3+ years of experience from a reputable firm Someone who enjoys building strong relationships, both with clients and their teammates A good communicator who’s organised, practical, and enjoys variety Someone who gets stuck in, does quality work, and doesn’t take themselves too seriously You’ll be joining a team that values people and relationships just as much as legal skill. Hard work is appreciated, but it’s about results, not clock-watching. For further information, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or to apply, send your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
RMA & Local Govt Lawyer | 2+ years PQE
About the firm and role This is an exciting opportunity for a junior or intermediate level lawyer with a grounding in resource management, environment planning and/or local government legal work to join a team with interesting work on the go. Working in a well-supported, friendly and flat structured team, you'll be mentored across a variety of work, learning from industry specialists. The work will involve: Resource consent appeals Interpreting and applying bylaws and regulations Local government advisory matters Corporate governance Liquor licensing work RMA and regulatory prosecutions and enforcement work Judicial review matters Climate Change and ESG There is a collegial approach in the team, where people have a sense of humour and life outside of work is also valued. Being a flat structured team, means you'll have good one on one partner mentorship in the role as well as work with other seniors. About you You will have: 2+ years' experience within either the RMA, regulatory litigation or public law space - whether gained in a law firm, local govt or in-house; Some working knowledge of the resource management legislative framework would be good; Good drafting skills; A decent university academic record (ideally B average or higher); An interest in further developing your career as a local govt and RMA lawyer. This role might interest you if you're looking for greater variety or wanting to get properly involved in files where you'll have the chance to appear in Court on RMA related matters and learn directly from partners. Those returning from Australia or the UK with relevant experience are also of interest. For further information, contact Jenny on 027 874 0993 or to apply, send your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Property Lawyer | 2-5 years PQE
The Firm & OpportunityOur client is on the lookout for a switched on property lawyer to work in a friendly and collegial team environment where you'll be working in a close-knit team and mentored by a partner with strong expertise in this area.Conveyancing would be most of the work in this role, the other work would include: commercial leasing, financing matters, relationship property agreements, trusts, estate administration, EPOAs, Wills, business transactions and subdivisions. About you 2+ years experience in residential and commercial property transactions - broader experience would be ideal. Demonstrating that you're a commercial thinker that can provide pragmatic advice. An ability to build rapport with clients and cultivate strong client relationships. If you're looking for a role with a variety of quality legal work in a progressive Central Auckland based firm, then get in touch with us today to find out more. To discuss further, contact Bob Kou 027 274 5926 or email your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or apply by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Auckland
Senior Corporate & Commercial Solicitor
Senior Corporate Commercial Lawyer Are you a Senior Corporate and Commercial lawyer who thrives on transactional work and strategic thinking? This is your opportunity to take a meaningful step in your career with a respected Auckland CBD firm that values excellence, flexibility, and long-term relationships. If you're looking for a place where people and performance are genuinely prioritised, we’d love to hear from you. Why this role: High-quality transactional work with a strong deal flow Work with successful privately owned NZ businesses and international corporates Join a tight-knit team where your experience will be valued Be mentored by commercially sharp, approachable partners Flexible structure: Full-time/part-time (30hrs p/w) + 1-2 days WFH Modern tools, systems, and a forward-thinking culture What you’ll be doing: Business sales and purchases (shares and assets), joint ventures, and restructures Shareholder agreements, partnership and franchising arrangements Commercial contract drafting and negotiation across a range of sectors Contributing to client strategy and building strong ongoing relationships Supporting and mentoring junior team members Staying up to date with developments in business law and industry trends This is a role where you’ll step into real client responsibility, with the guidance of experienced mentors and the support of a close-knit, high-performing team. Who we’re looking for: NZ qualified and admitted lawyer with 3+ years PQE in corporate and commercial law (more senior applicants also considered) Strong experience in transactional work, particularly M&A and structuring Clear communicator with sound commercial judgment Client-focused, self-motivated, and a team player Tech-savvy, with an interest in better ways of working Why you’ll thrive here: This is a firm where people enjoy coming to work. There’s room to grow, the work is varied and interesting, and everyone pulls together. You’ll be supported, recognised, and given space to make your mark, all while working with great clients who trust you to deliver. For a confidential chat, contact Jenny Gallagher on 027 874 0993 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to jenny@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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