Banking & Finance Associate

An exceptional opportunity awaits an experienced Senior Solicitor to join a highly regarded Banking and Finance team in Auckland CBD. This role offers you the chance to work on a diverse portfolio of high-profile transactions for both lender and borrower clients, spanning multiple sectors such as financial services, property development, infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications.

What you'll do:

• Advise lender and borrower clients on a broad spectrum of banking and finance transactions including leveraged finance, acquisition finance, structured finance, mezzanine finance, project finance, construction finance, syndicated lending, debt restructuring, securitisation, capital markets activity, and consumer lending.
• Draft core transaction documentation with precision and lead negotiations to ensure optimal outcomes for all parties involved in complex deals.
• Manage end-to-end banking transactions efficiently while meeting critical deadlines and maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders throughout the process.
• Collaborate closely with partners and other senior lawyers to deliver exceptional client service across domestic and international matters.
• Mentor junior lawyers within the team by providing guidance on technical issues as well as supporting their professional development through knowledge sharing.
• Contribute actively to the team’s inclusive culture by participating in regular knowledge-sharing sessions and supporting firm-wide initiatives focused on diversity and wellbeing.

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• A minimum of 4-7PQE in general banking and finance law gained either in private practice or an in-house setting, preferably in New Zealand;
• Demonstrated capability in drafting complex transaction documentation for various types of financing arrangements
• Proven track record of leading negotiations on core documents while balancing commercial objectives with legal risk management considerations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities allowing you to convey complex legal concepts clearly both internally among colleagues and externally with clients or counterparties.
• A genuine interest in mentoring junior lawyers.
• Commercial awareness coupled with curiosity about emerging trends affecting the banking sector locally or internationally.

What sets this company apart:

You will be welcomed into a supportive, inclusive environment where collaboration is at the heart of everything they do. The team is led by partners who are recognised as leaders in their field, ensuring you have access to outstanding mentorship and guidance. With a strong focus on professional growth, you will benefit from structured career progression pathways, leadership development initiatives, and a suite of performance-enhancing benefits designed to help you thrive. Flexible working opportunities and additional leave entitlements further support your wellbeing and work-life balance.

What's next:

If you are looking for a role that values your expertise while nurturing your ambition to grow and mentor others, this is the perfect next step in your legal career.

If you wish to apply or have further questions about the role, please reach out to Suanne Briggs at suanne.briggs@robertwalters.co.nz or 09 374 7350.

Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Suanne Briggs on +6493747350.