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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Auckland
Construction Litigation | Senior Associate
This is a unique opportunity to join a modern legal practice as a Senior Associate where you can be part of a team that is getting top work and take care of their staff. You'll be involved in work surrounding defective building disputes, claims under the Construction Contracts Act, product liability, property disputes and professional negligence. Working with a couple of experienced partners and other lawyers, you’ll gain the benefit of exposure to all aspects of litigation, from drafting witness statements, trial preparation, liaising with experts in relation to expert evidence and developing your advocacy skills. The firm is supportive of working one day a week from home and has systems in place that allows you to focus on solving problems instead of being bogged down in admin work. You will ideally have: 7+ years solid PQE in litigation - some experience in construction litigation is ideal but otherwise a solid general litigation background with a demonstrable interest in this area; Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment; A team player that has the ability to help mentor junior lawyers. Whether you're looking to return from overseas, to Auckland, or you're in a team where the interesting work has dried up and you're wanting to get greater substantive involvement in files, or would like to pursue your passion for construction law - enquire now to see if this is an opportunity for you. For further information, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on APPLY now.
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Christchurch
Property / Commercial Solicitor
The Company: Looking for a change of pace? This full service firm has been operating in Canterbury for over 100 years and offers a solid and busy legal environment with good work / life balance. The Role: Due to growth in workload, we are looking for a Senior Solicitor or Associate with experience across property, commercial and private client law to join our client's team. The core duties of this role will include: Residential, farm and commercial conveyancing and financing Commercial leasing General commercial and business matters Subdivisions and property development Trusts, asset and succession planning You’ll be led by an experienced Partner and supported by fellow solicitors and legal support staff so if you’re strong in a few of these areas but haven’t done much in others, the firm has the resources to train up the right person. About you: We have room for someone at Senior Solicitor or Associate level (roughly 3- 6 years PQE) who has experience across property and commercial law. You’ll be someone who’s down-to-earth, has a good sense of humour and enjoys being in the office collaborating with colleagues. The benefits of this opportunity: Solid pipeline of work coming in Variety of work across property, commercial and private client Work/life balance and supportive environment Carpark provided (Associate level upwards) 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
The Company: This is an interesting and rare opportunity to join a specialist litigation team as they continue to grow in Christchurch. Led by well-known experts in their field, you’ll work in an open-plan environment where you’ll have direct access to learning from them to accelerate your own career growth in litigation. The Role: We are looking for ambitious solicitors with litigation experience who enjoy going to Court. This firm works across a variety of areas of litigation including commercial, trusts, relationship property, civil, insolvency, private wealth and public law. This role offers you the chance to sink your teeth into a variety of matters that come into this busy practice and get your time in court to progress your career faster. About you: You’ll be someone with an ambitious personality, good academics and a meticulous eye for detail. We are looking for a solicitor with 2+ years PQE, who has litigation experience already and is seeking the next step in their career. The benefits of this opportunity: Work with a small, tight-knit team who have a great reputation in the legal industry Variety of work and the opportunity to get more time in court Wfh 1 day a week Very competitive salary in the Christchurch market 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
Employment Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm This is an opportunity to join an innovative and forward thinking firm in a diverse employment law role, likely at Senior Solicitor or Associate level. Working under the mentorship of an established employment law partner, you'll be a part of a close-knit employment law team where you will receive direct training and mentorship to grow. Benefits include WFH options and set-up, phone planm, medical insurance, wellness allowance and more. This is a place where lawyers can also maintain a life outside of work but also receive quality and interesting work. 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, ERA and Employment Court 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: Circa 3-8 years PQE in employment law gained in either the context of a private practice and/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; and Decent academics and already be admitted to the bar. 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. For further information, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or email your CV and academic record to anand@colegal.co.nz or click 'QUICK APPLY' to apply for the opportunity.
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Christchurch
Legal Executive
The Company: This firm is located in the Christchurch CBD, has a great reputation in the industry and high staff retention. A full-service firm, their key point of difference is their ability to adapt to new ways of working in the legal field, including using new technology and upgrading systems and processes. They take an agile and modern approach to work, adding flexibility into the 9-5 to optimise work/life balance. The Role: A unique opportunity has come up for a Legal Executive with a strong foundation in property and conveyancing law but an interest in having more variety in their day-to-day legal career. You might be a Legal Executive who specialises in property but also has experience in estates or commercial law (for example). We are open to looking at what the mix of work would be, but we’re looking for someone who likes that kind of variety and is agile and adaptable to the workflow coming in. About you: This opportunity would suit a Legal Executive who already has a mix of skills across different areas of law. However, if you have strong property experience but would like more variety and are open to being trained up in other areas, we want to hear from you too! The benefits of this opportunity: Flexible working hours including wfh 1 day per week Supportive culture with clear progression plans Monthly social club events Funding for networking and educational events 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
Lawyers 2+ years | Relocate to Australia
We are partnering with firms across various locations in Australia who are actively hiring for experienced NZ qualified lawyers, with the ability to offer a strong remuneration package, relocation allowances, quality work as well as career progression. While the London market seems to still be recovering, an alternative option could be Australia and means you don't need to requalify while still being able to exposure to international deals, cases and high value matters.A few of the roles are: Sydney Litigation Associate | 4+ years PQE | progressive specialist firm. Litigation Senior Associate | Leading International Firm with global disputes | $210k+ Structured Finance / Securitisation Associate | Senior Associate level in a leading international firm. Working with clients raising domestic & international credit & private capital | $185k+ Family Law | 4+ years PQE | general practice firm | 2 days WFH | $165k+ Construction Lawyer | 2–4 PQE, large firm | mostly litigation with some front-end | $105k–$140k Melbourne Litigation | 4+ year's PQE | Large National Firm | $120k–$190k Planning & Environment Associate or Senior Associate | Large National Firm | $135k+ Financial Services Regulatory Senior Associate | Large National Firm | Insurance & wealth management experience required | $170k+ Brisbane Real Estate Senior Associate, 5–6 PQE | Leading International Firm | Million-dollar transactions | $185k+ Construction Lawyer (litigation focus) | 2–4 PQE | large national firm | $105k–$140k If these roles aren’t an exact fit but you’re open to exploring a move, get in touch to see how your experience could translate to the Australian market. The clients we work with can provide relocation support, helping you settle in smoothly for a fresh start in the new year. For NZ qualified lawyers thinking ahead about moving overseas, now is a great time to explore your options and get a sense of market salaries for your background. Similarly, if you’re considering returning from the UK and weighing up opportunities in NZ vs Australia, we can provide insight into the differences between the legal markets in each jurisdiction. For a confidential chat, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926 or Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
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Wellington
Competition, Regulatory and Public Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm & Opportunity Step into a practice where you can fast track your career within a specialist team. As a firm, there are regular social events and internal and external learning opportunities to help you grow. The work will be blend of advisory and dispute resolution work where you'll be involved in matters that range from merger appeals, Fair Trading Act breaches and advice, price fixing and cartel matters, misleading and deceptive conduct cases, regulatory prosecutions and other dispute resolution work. You'll work one on one with a well-regarded partner in the team. The Culture With a modern working style, our client operates collaboratively as a team with scope for flexibility. This includes working from home 1 day a week and the opportunity to take file ownership and responsibility with partner support. As a firm that breeds success, they are dedicated to providing continual training that supports your progression and ongoing development within the team. About you: 3+ years PQE with experience gained in either consumer law, commercial litigation or the regulatory area (whether gained in a firm or an in-house legal environment); An interest in learning and being able to problem solve complex issues; NZ qualified; and Good academics (a B average or higher in your degree LLB). A commerce degree would be a bonus. You may be looking to take a step out of the internal government or regulatory litigation space and into a role where you can use your understanding of the sector to advise clients on technical legal matters and provide solutions. Likewise you may have a commercial litigation background with a particular interest in competition and consumer law issues. Give us a call today to discuss whether this is the right role for you. For further information, contact Anand on 027 2746 186 or email your CV and academic transcript by clicking 'APPLY' now or emailing it to anand@colegal.co.nz.
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Wellington
Commercial Property & Infrastructure lawyer | 3+ years
About the opportunity We are working with a national firm that holds a strong reputation in the legal market for its work, culture and practices. Our client punches above its weight when it comes to the property development projects and transactions that they are involved in. This role is for a good intermediate level lawyer keen to take a step up in responsibility while learning from partners that know this space well. You'll be working with public and private sector clients that are working on matters across the country.Working in this high performing team, flexibility can be provided and billing targets aren't the core focus. The focus is on delivering strategic advice and value to its clients. It's very much a team-based and collaborative culture where information sharing is encouraged and people don't work in silos - therefore a likeminded person will fit in well. About the workYour day-to-day will involve matters pertaining to: Commercial property transactions; Subdivision and property development projects; Commercial leasing arrangements; Advising infrastructure providers on regulatory matters; Strategic project planning legal advice. If you’re interested in a firm that boasts an interesting client base and whose values are underpinned by exceptional client service, then enquire about this position to see if it’s right for you. About you 3+ years NZ practising legal experience - you could be at a top tier or mid-sized firm and wanting better file management responsibility and client contact Good interpersonal and client relationship skills An interest in developing a career as a commercial property lawyer A B average or higher with your academic record. Perhaps you're thinking about a move to Wellington? Or a relocation back from overseas? Wanting to take your skills up a notch? Get in touch to find out if this opportunity is for you. To find out more, call Anand Ranchhod on 0272746186 or at anand@colegal.co.nz or call Bob Kou on 027 274 5926 or email at bob@colegal.co.nz. Alternatively, click APPLY to send through your CV and academic record.
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Auckland
Comm Property Lawyer | Junior-Intermediate
About the position We have a fantastic opportunity to join a leading property team at one of our clients that works with blue chip corporates, developers, local and overseas investors and high net-worth clients. The law firm is well-established and the property team works in a collaborative way to provide exceptional client service. They now look to hire a junior - intermediate level lawyer to join the team and continue to drive the success of the firm by acting on various property matters. This role has a unique mix of work including: drafting property-related contracts, acting for developers on subdivisions, advising on commercial leasing matters, property finance and securities work, easements, acquisitions under the Public Works Act, commercial property acquisition and disposals, conveyancing, as well as some general commercial, construction and financing work too. About you 2+ years' PQE property experience - you might come from a general practice law firm and are looking for a step up, with the chance to specialise. Likewise, you may be in a larger firm but looking to join a firm that can offer a steady flow of interesting work as well as a decent work/life balance. Decent academic record (ideally around a B average or better); and An interest in developing your career in the commercial property space. For a confidential chat, call Anand on 027 2746 186 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to anand@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'APPLY' now.
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Christchurch
Private Client Solicitor
The Company: Our client is a well-established law firm in Christchurch with a modern and progressive culture. A mid-sized team, they collaborate and take pride in working together to get the best results for their clients. This full-service firm specialises in removing the legal jargon and creating a down-to-earth and supportive professional environment for both their clients and their team. The Role: We are seeking someone who loves the challenge of working in private client work to join their team. You’ll be a solicitor with around 2 years’ experience working in a law firm who loves working on wills, trusts and estates work and is keen to keep developing your career in this area. About you: We are looking for a Solicitor or Senior Solicitor who is naturally empathetic, hard-working and who has a great eye for detail. You’ll be someone who likes to work collaboratively, communicates well and likes being part of a team. The benefits of this opportunity: Regular performance reviews to ensure you are on track to achieve your professional goals A very supportive and approachable leadership team Flexible working style + wfh day Modern offices and systems Health insurance and wellbeing benefits Birthday leave A great team of genuinely fun and supportive people For this role you will need to have had experience working as a Solicitor and have NZ working rights. 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
Senior Associate / Partner - Property
The Company: A rare opportunity has come up to join one of Christchurch’s oldest and most reputable law firms as an experienced Senior Associate on fast-track to Partnership. With a solid client base of generational clients across a variety of areas of law, this firm is growing and looking for another Partner to join the team. The Role: Due to succession planning, our client is looking for an experienced Property solicitor to take over their residential and commercial conveyancing files as well as some private client work such as wills, trusts, estates and EPAs. There will be a good handover period to ensure you are set up to win and understand the firms processes, values, systems and clients as you step into Partnership. About you: Ideally, you’ll be someone at Senior Associate level who is working towards Partnership and assessing where will be the best fit for you. We will also consider applications from solicitors already working at Partner level who are seeking a change in environment. You’ll likely be someone that thrives in a smaller firm where you are more than a number and have a genuine say in the operations and direction of the firm. With a large volume of work coming in, there is huge opportunity to develop and grow this firm, expanding into different areas of law and building on the success and reputation they have already achieved. The benefits of this opportunity: Work within a collegial team who are supportive and collaborative Clear pathway, support and resources to step into the Partner role Established client base – no need to bring a book of business with you Modern offices in a great location in Christchurch Flexible working around family / life commitments Carpark provided For this role you will need to have had experience working as a Solicitor and have NZ working rights. For a confidential chat about these roles, 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
Family Lawyer | 1+ years PQE
The Firm & Opportunity An exciting opportunity has come up for a junior level lawyer to strengthen our client's family law practice based in their modern offices. 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 work which includes helping individuals protect their assets in a relationship as well as navigating through complex separations and dealing with childcare and custody arrangements. In this role, you will also have all the support you need to develop your legal skills in the family law field where you can make a difference. 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. About you 1+ 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; An interest to develop your skills further in the family law field. If you're looking to hone your skills in family law within a firm that has a strong reputation for its work and support systems in place to allow you to advance your career with mentorship, then get in touch with us today. For a confidential chat, contact Bob Kou on 027 274 5926 or by sending your CV and academic transcript to bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking on 'QUICK APPLY' now.
Apply now