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
Junior Trusts & Private Client Lawyer
About the firmThis is an opportunity to join a thriving and progressive firm that represents a multi-generational client base including high net worth individuals and investors. 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 (contracting out agreements, separation agreements etc). 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 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 youTo be successful in this role, you will ideally have: 1-3 years' solid legal experience with a decent amount of trusts, and/or relationship property and private client experience; An ability to communicate well and build rapport with a range of private clients from different backgrounds and ages; A good academic record. Perhaps you're in a general practice law firm and after a few years of practice, would like to move into a larger firm where you can hone your skills in the private client area, or you'd like greater mentoring/training. 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
1+ year Employment Lawyer | Remote / Hybrid working option
About the opportunityWe're on the lookout for a smart and switched on employment lawyer to be a part of our client's thriving specialist employment law team. With offices in Auckland CBD, you'll be joining a practice that has a reputation for providing quality legal advice and advocacy services to its clients - an ideal platform to progress your career. There will be plenty of variety of work in this role and the opportunity to work with both employer and employee clients. You will have exposure to range of employment law work with a focus on contentious matters involving PG claims, redundancies and restructures, disciplinary investigations and performance management and resolving outcomes at mediation, ERA and Employment Court stages. About You 1+ years' PQE (those more senior are of interest too) with experience gained in a reputable law firm and/or in-house employment law environment. Private practice experience is preferred. You may be coming from a general litigation background and have an interest in pursuing an employment law role or be working in employment law and would be interested in a role that gives you the chance to have greater client contact and court work; Ideally a B average of higher in your LLB. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills. The ability to hold a NZ practising certificate. This role would be suited to an employment lawyer that enjoys being involved in the pointy end of issues or keen to focus on this area of work. The team has good working hours and are supportive of each other. This role can be based in the office full time, have a WFH day or has flexibility to involve largely WFH depending on your situation and background. You'll be set up with the full capability for hybrid working. 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
Litigation Solicitor | 0-2 years PQE
About the firm & opportunity We are working with a specialist litigation and dispute resolution practice with a focus on dealing with Maori legal issues and representing minority groups. We're now recruiting for an additional lawyer for its team. Working in a team of a mix of seniors and juniors, you'll get hands on involvement in a mix of matters that relate to: Treaty-related claims before the Maori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal Public law and policy matters Marine and Coastal Area applications Resource management issues, acting for iwis and Maori litigants. Oranga Tamariki issues Employment law related matters It's an interesting area of work involving social justice issues and an opportunity to hone your legal research, drafting and advocacy skills in the Maori legal field. You'll be provided with the tools to grow your skills and work alongside a supportive team. There is the ability to have flexibility in start / finish times and a WFH day if needed, so if the location is a consideration, the firm is fully supportive of some flexible working arrangements as it makes sense around team and client meetings. About you: Completed your LLB, with a B average or higher; Completed your Professional Legal Studies and either already admitted to the bar (or soon to be admitted); A demonstrable interest in public law, Maori legal and dispute matters. Prior existing experience isn't needed but any work as a Law Clerk or in Litigation would be viewed favourably; and An interest in Maori culture. NOTE: this role is not suitable for those that are still completing their LLB or doing Profs. 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
Employment Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm This is an opportunity to join a team that is known to be one of the best in the industry. Working across specialist employment law partners, you'll be a part of a close-knit team where you will receive direct training and mentorship from seniors to grow your skills. They collaborate on more complex files and advise NZX listed businesses and corporate clients, high net worth execs and public sector organisations on strategic employment law matters and help them resolve disputes. 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 including employment aspects of corporate transactions, restructuring advice, disciplinary investigations, personal grievance claims, bullying and discrimination matters, policy development, and preparation for mediations and ERA hearings. There also might be scope to get involved in health and safety, privacy and human rights 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 and/or in-house role (if employment is part of your litigation experience that will also be considered); A genuine interest in building your employment law career; Some employer advisory experience is key; High standard of written and verbal communication skills; NZ qualified lawyer; and B average or higher in law grades. Perhaps you're looking to step up the clientele and complexity of employment matters you work on, or maybe you wanting to join a leading firm where there is room for career advancement and setting yourself up well for the future. To discuss further, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or 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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Christchurch
Trust Account Administrator
This is a critical role responsible for the day-to-day administration and processing of trust account transactions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity across all trust accounting functions. Key Responsibilities Daily reconciliation of trust account bank accounts. Processing trust account receipts and payments across multiple banking platforms. Managing same-day cleared payments and transfers. Maintaining multiple deposit schemes. Conducting trust account audits, exception reporting, and compliance controls. Supporting AML/CFT compliance requirements. Processing quarterly interest and monthly regulatory reporting. Assisting with client billing activities, online billing platforms, and client statements. Supporting client onboarding, matter administration, and related administrative processes. Contributing to process improvement initiatives and operational efficiencies. About You To be successful, you will have: Strong administration experience, ideally working in a legal environment or one involving high-volume transaction processing. Exceptional attention to detail and numerical accuracy. Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Word, Outlook, and Excel. Strong organisational and time-management abilities. Proven analytical and problem-solving skills. The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. High levels of professionalism, integrity, and discretion. Confidence learning and working with new systems and technology. Benefits Join a hard-working and ambitious team who work collaboratively and offer a great social culture. Based in the CBD, you'll operate out of modern offices close to cafes and shops. A competitive salary is on offer along with a wellbeing allowance. 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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Property / Commercial Lawyer
The Opportunity Working alongside experienced and respected partners, you will be exposed to high-quality legal work across commercial and property law matters. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer looking to accelerate their career within a collaborative, supportive, and high-performing environment. The firm is recognised for its strong in-house training programmes, exceptional mentoring, and sophisticated legal infrastructure, providing the ideal platform for ongoing professional development and long-term career success. About You To be successful in this role, you will have: At least 2 years' PQE Experience in commercial and/or property law A strong academic record and NZ practicing certificate Excellent drafting, research, and communication skills A proactive, client-focused approach Ambition, initiative, and a genuine desire to develop your career What's on Offer? In addition to working with some of the best legal professionals in the country, you'll enjoy: A top-tier remuneration package Relocation assistance available for the right candidate Genuine career progression opportunities Access to outstanding mentoring and training programmes Strong national support network and resources Modern systems and first-class legal infrastructure Flexible working arrangements, including wfh options Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives and benefits Supportive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture Why Queenstown? Enjoy a rewarding legal career without compromising on lifestyle. Queenstown offers world-class outdoor recreation activities, access to ski fields, vibrant hospitality, excellent schooling options and a welcoming community, making it an ideal place to build both your career and your future. 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
Family, Employment & Civil Litigation Lawyer | 3+ years PQE
The Firm & Opportunity As part of a growing Central Auckland based practice where you'll work with everyday individual clients, high net worth individuals and businesses, they're looking to add to their team of highly skilled litigators. You will have solid experience gained in advocacy based work in family law, employment law and/or civil litigation. You might also have the chance to focus on one area while also doing some work in the other two areas if that's preferred, depending on your interests. No two days will be the same - you'll be involved in a broad range of contentious matters including parenting and protection orders, child custody cases, adoption, relationship property disputes, employment mediations, PG claims, property disputes, debt recovery and insolvency matters. About you: 3+ years' experience with experience in one of these areas (family law, employment law or civil litigation), ideally having worked in a firm or for a Barrister. An ability to build rapport with clients and cut through legal issues. Good communication and problem solving skills. Admitted to the NZ Bar. You may be in a litigation role seeking a supportive environment with plenty of learning opportunities, or in a specialist lawyer role where you may be wanting a greater variety of disputes and where you can continue to help individuals achieve positive outcomes. 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
Senior Associate | Insurance & Civil Litigation
The OpportunityOur client is looking to hire a talented senior litigation lawyer with 6+ years' solid litigation experience dealing with civil litigation matters, with some experience in insurance litigation being key. There is a work/life balance in this role where you can do quality work, but also retain having a life outside of work. You will be someone who enjoys variety in a role and being immersed from start to finish on complex litigation files before the High Court or at ADR / mediation stage. The partners you work for will allow you to take on a good degree of file management responsibility, working with autonomy but also provide adequate support too.About you: 6+ years' PQE in litigation, with some insurance litigation experience; Strong communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to cut through issues and problem solve; and Experience gained in a reputable firm - preferably medium or large or a high end boutique, or coming from an insurance organisation. Perhaps you're feeling that you're wanting to work in a flatter team structure having gained experience in a large firm or you're wanting to be a part of a firm that has a culture which helps their lawyers grow and where this scope for growth. Likewise, you could be a senior litigator thinking about a return back to NZ from overseas in 2026 and wanting to start conversations in NZ. 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
Lawyers 3+ years PQE | Australia legal roles
We are partnering with firms across various locations in Australia that are actively hiring NZ qualified lawyers with 3+ years' PQE experience gained in reputable law firm environments. These roles offer strong remuneration packages, quality work and excellent career progression opportunities. For some, relocation assistance is provided too. While the London market is still recovering, a move to Australia means you don't need to requalify, and there is still healthy demand for lawyers, with opportunities to gain exposure to international work. Currently, the most in demand areas of law where we're interested to see candidates from, are: Technology, Media & Telco Energy & Projects Front end / Commercial Construction Commercial Litigation &Insolvency Banking & Finance Insurance Corporate / M&A Competition Law Intellectual Property If these areas aren't quite right for you but you're interested in exploring a move, get in touch to find out more about how your background may suit the Australian market. If you're a NZ qualified lawyer looking to start planning a move overseas, now is the time to get in touch to learn more about your options in the market and what salary levels look like for someone with your background. Likewise, if you're considering a return from the UK and are deciding between NZ and Australia, we can help you understand the differences between the legal markets in each jurisdiction. 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.
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Auckland
Commercial & Property Lawyer | Special Counsel or SA
About the opportunityAn opportunity has come up for a senior lawyer looking to advance their career in a role that has leadership progression. We are working with a forward thinking and longstanding practice on the Shore, with strong community ties, that has a model where partnership is sustainable as they operate in a family friendly environment with reasonable expectations of leaders in the firm and value their team members. There are realistic billing targets so you won't have to compromise on other commitments.This opportunity will give you a range of exposure across various facets of property and commercial law work. This might business transactions (some being larger), commercial leasing matters, franchising and licensing arrangements, contract drafting and negotiations, company structuring matters, shareholder arrangements, construction contracts, property developments, property transactions and financing matters. You'd work with a well-established client base involving high net worth individuals, investors, SMEs, local and international businesses - both smaller and larger.Due to a succession planning need, this opportunity provides you with the chance to make the move into a well-supported partnership with a longstanding and loyal clientele to take over. The firm also encourages BD activities and you'll be supported in your efforts here. About youThe ideal candidate, you will have: 7+ years PQE with experience in commercial law and/or property gained within a well regarded practice. Experience in all areas of practice aren't needed if the fit is right, as there is a team that can also support; Commercial nous to advise clients in a technically sound, strategic and pragmatic way; Ability to cultivate and maintain strong client relationships; Leadership qualities with experience helping mentor juniors; and An interest in developing into a partnership role if you're not already a a partner. Who might you be?You might be a senior property and commercial lawyer with a bottleneck towards progression and looking for an opportunity that has genuine scope for growth in a values-led firm or you might be someone that is looking for a firm on the Shore as a move closer to home, where you can set up roots and build. This is a unique opportunity to harness an opportunity in a firm that is growing and going from strength to strength. To discuss further, contact Anand Ranchhod on 027 2746 186 or Bob Kou on 027 274 5926, or email your CV and academic transcript to anand@colegal.co.nz or bob@colegal.co.nz or by clicking 'APPLY' now.
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Wellington
General Practice Lawyer
About the Role A great opportunity has arisen for a Property / General Practice Lawyer (2+ years' PQE through to Senior Associate level) to join a well-established, mid-sized law firm in the Wellington CBD. Working closely with a highly experienced partner and team, you’ll gain exposure to a range of work including property law, commercial property, trusts, relationship property, estate planning and commercial law. What’s on Offer Career development opportunities and mentoring Flexible working arrangements Collaborative, down-to-earth team culture Modern CBD offices in a great location The Environment This is a well-established, tight-knit firm with a less corporate structure than larger practices. They have realistic billing targets and flexibility around hours. The team enjoy working together in the office and have a good social environment. 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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Wellington
Property / Commercial Lawyer
About the Role An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Property & Commercial Lawyer (5+ years' PQE through to Senior Associate level) to join a well-established law firm in the Wellington CBD. Working closely with a highly experienced partner, you’ll gain exposure to a diverse range of high-quality property and commercial matters, with a strong focus on property development and complex transactions. Key Areas of Work Property development (including large-scale housing developments) Development financing (acting for both developers and lenders) Commercial property transactions Residential conveyancing Leasing Some commercial advisory work across a variety of sectors This role offers the chance to work on interesting, complex matters while developing your technical expertise in a supportive environment. About You You may be working in more general practice property law and want more complex work, or doing property work in a corporate environment looking for a bit more work / life balance. Either way, this would be a great fit! We are looking for someone who has: 5+ years’ PQE (open through to Senior Associate level) Solid experience in property law and/or commercial transactions The ability to manage files with increasing autonomy Strong communication and client relationship skills Good leadership skills and enjoys mentoring juniors The Opportunity This is a well-established, tight-knit firm with a less corporate structure than larger practices offering a genuinely supportive and approachable culture. The team prides itself on delivering excellent outcomes for clients while maintaining a positive, balanced working environment.What’s on Offer Strong pipeline of quality work with an active and busy practice Career development opportunities and hands-on mentoring Flexible working arrangements Collaborative, down-to-earth team culture Modern CBD offices in a convenient location 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
Apply now