Senior Associate - Business Law

A leading legal practice in Auckland is seeking a Senior Associate to join their Business Law team. You will be empowered to take ownership of mid-market deals and engage directly with business owners and senior stakeholders. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with 8+ years PQE who thrives on managing complex private M&A transactions from inception to completion.

What you'll do:

Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve taking full ownership of mid-market private M&A transactions—managing everything from due diligence through drafting complex agreements to negotiating terms directly with clients. You will be entrusted with supervising junior lawyers, fostering their growth while ensuring high standards are maintained throughout each matter. By engaging directly with business owners and senior leaders, you will provide nuanced advice that reflects both legal acumen and commercial understanding.

• Lead all aspects of private mergers and acquisitions on both buy-side and sell-side mandates, ensuring seamless execution from initial engagement through to completion.
• Oversee due diligence processes and coordinate transaction workstreams across multiple stakeholders to ensure accuracy and compliance at every stage.
• Draft and negotiate key legal documents including share sale agreements, asset sale agreements, shareholders’ agreements, joint venture agreements, and governance documentation with precision and clarity.
• Provide clear advice on legal and commercial risks using sound judgement that balances client objectives with regulatory requirements.
• Supervise junior lawyers by providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for skill development while effectively leveraging their contributions to transactional matters.
• Integrate AI tools and legal technology into transactional workflows in a structured manner that enhances efficiency while maintaining risk awareness.

What you bring:

You will bring an impressive track record of handling sophisticated corporate transactions independently. Your background should reflect deep familiarity with all facets of private M&A work—from conducting thorough due diligence through drafting intricate contractual frameworks to steering negotiations that achieve optimal outcomes for clients. Beyond technical proficiency, your interpersonal strengths will shine as you foster enduring relationships with business owners and senior executives alike—listening attentively to their concerns while providing practical solutions grounded in empathy. Your approachability makes you an effective mentor for junior colleagues; you take pride in sharing knowledge generously while encouraging others’ growth within an inclusive environment. A forward-thinking mindset is essential: you embrace new technologies thoughtfully—leveraging AI tools not just for efficiency but also for better client experiences. If you have advised family-owned enterprises or worked within franchise/multi-site contexts before, your insights will be especially valued here. Financial acumen rounds out your profile; comfort analysing balance sheets or structuring earn-outs enables you to offer holistic advice that supports clients’ broader objectives.

• LLB Qualification plus 8+ years of PQE in corporate or commercial law.
• Demonstrate substantial hands-on experience leading private M&A transactions independently from start to finish without requiring routine partner oversight.
• Exhibit advanced drafting skills across a range of transactional documents such as share sale agreements, asset sale agreements, shareholders’ agreements, joint venture agreements, and governance materials.
• Showcase maturity as a negotiator who can navigate complex commercial discussions with confidence while remaining sensitive to client priorities.
• Be comfortable integrating AI tools or other legal technologies into transactional processes in ways that enhance efficiency without compromising quality or risk management.
• (Highly desirable) Bring experience advising privately held or family-owned businesses on structuring deals or navigating succession planning challenges.
• (Highly desirable) Possess exposure to franchise systems or multi-site business models which adds depth to your commercial perspective when advising clients.
• (Highly desirable) Demonstrate financial literacy including familiarity with valuation concepts, earn-outs structures, balance sheet analysis as well as an interest in improving legal delivery models.

What sets this company apart:

This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering a genuinely inclusive workplace where collaboration is celebrated at every level. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements—including hybrid options—that empower them to balance professional aspirations with personal commitments. Social connection is woven into the fabric of daily life: bi-monthly catch ups with partners create informal networking opportunities; quarterly team events build lasting bonds; morning teas every Friday offer moments of relaxation amid busy schedules; snacks and soft drinks are always available for added comfort. Professional growth is supported through covered CPD courses so you can continually expand your expertise without financial burden. The firm offers the flexibility of full-time or reduced hours (minimum 30 per week) for the right candidate. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, wellbeing, and inclusive team culture, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous benefits such as hybrid working arrangements, regular social events, and comprehensive support for ongoing learning.

What's next:

Apply today by contacting Kristen: Kristen.dewar@robertwalters.co.nz or +64 9 374 7335

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 Kristen Dewar at kristen.dewar@robertwalters.co.nz on +64 9 374 7335.