Senior Employment Associate

A boutique Employment Law firm in Auckland is seeking a Senior Associate to join their team, offering a unique Pathway to Partnership. This role provides the opportunity to work on complex, challenging legal matters while engaging directly with clients in a collaborative, flat-structured environment. With five weeks annual leave, professional development support, and a focus on wellbeing, this is an exceptional chance to advance your career in a supportive and high-performing team.

Are you ready to take your career in employment law to the next level? A boutique specialist Employment Law firm in Auckland is seeking a Senior Associate to join their close-knit team. This is not just another role—it’s an exceptional opportunity to work on some of the most intellectually stimulating and technically challenging employment law matters while progressing towards Partnership in a truly unique environment.

This firm is renowned for its unwavering commitment to technical excellence, offering you the chance to tackle complex legal issues that will challenge and expand your expertise. With direct client engagement from day one, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping outcomes for clients across a diverse range of advisory and contentious matters. The flat organisational structure ensures your voice is heard, your contributions are valued, and your career aspirations are supported every step of the way.

What sets this opportunity apart is its clear and achievable Pathway to Partnership, making it ideal for ambitious professionals who want to combine meaningful career progression with a supportive and collaborative team culture. If you’re passionate about employment law and thrive on solving intricate legal problems, this role offers an unparalleled platform to advance your career.

What you'll do:

You will provide clear, concise and practical solutions to a variety of challenging Employment matters, working directly with clients from inception through resolution. Your day-to-day responsibilities involve advising employers (and occasionally employees) on intricate employment law issues, representing them during mediations or litigation when disputes arise. You’ll be part of a high-performing team where collaboration is key; your input will shape outcomes not only for clients but also for the firm itself.

• You will manage a diverse range of Employment Law matters, providing comprehensive legal advice to clients from initial consultation through to resolution.
• You will represent clients in mediation and litigation proceedings, ensuring their interests are advocated effectively throughout contentious situations.
• You will handle both employer-focused cases as well as select employee matters, broadening your exposure across the employment law spectrum.
• You will maintain up-to-date knowledge of New Zealand Employment Law, applying technical expertise to complex legal issues.
• You will collaborate closely with colleagues in a flat structure environment, sharing knowledge and supporting each other’s professional development.
• You will engage directly with clients, building trusted relationships by delivering clear, concise advice tailored to their needs.

What you bring:

• You bring at least seven years’ post-qualification experience specialising in Employment Law within New Zealand.
• Your passion for employment law drives you to seek out complicated and technical matters that challenge your expertise.
• You excel at working collaboratively within smaller teams, contributing positively to a communal environment where everyone’s voice is heard.
• Your communication skills enable you to deliver clear, concise advice that clients can trust and act upon confidently.
• You demonstrate empathy and understanding when dealing with sensitive workplace issues, supporting both clients and colleagues alike.
• Your ability to work responsively ensures you meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and professionalism.

What sets this company apart:

This Specialist Boutique Employment Law firm prides itself on working on some of the most interesting and technically demanding employment law matters in New Zealand, giving you the opportunity to refine your expertise while making a tangible impact for clients. This role offers a clear and achievable Pathway to Partnership—an opportunity rarely found elsewhere in such a supportive environment. It also distinguishes itself through its commitment to work-life balance and staff wellbeing. With five weeks' annual leave as standard, employees enjoy ample time away from work to recharge. The supportive team culture is reinforced by regular social activities—including annual retreats—that foster genuine camaraderie among colleagues. Staff have access to counselling and coaching services designed not only for personal wellbeing but also for professional growth. For those seeking meaningful career progression without sacrificing personal fulfilment or connection with others, this firm offers an unparalleled opportunity.

What's next:

If you’re ready to take the next step towards partnership while enjoying true work-life balance within a supportive team environment, this could be your perfect fit.

Apply today by clicking on the link or contact Kristen at kristen.dewar@robertwalters.co.nz or directly on +64 9 374 7335 for more information.

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.