Senior Associate - Employment (Pathway to Partnership)

We have partnered with one of our favourite clients to bring on a Senior Associate into their highly regarded Employment team. This role offers an exceptional pathway to partnership for the right candidate. The team offers a flexible approach to working arrangements, including options for part-time roles and hybrid flexibility. You will be joining a supportive environment where wellbeing is prioritised. With a high-performing team and the opportunity to work across some of the most interesting employment matters in NZ, this opportunity provides both professional growth and personal balance. If you are looking for a role where your expertise will be valued, your career ambitions supported, and your work-life balance respected, this is the perfect next step.

What you'll do:

• Manage a diverse caseload comprising of both contentious and non-contentious matters across NZ employment law.
• Act for high-profile clients, handling complex employment issues that require both technical expertise and commercial awareness.
• Participate in settlement negotiations and hearings, ensuring effective resolution of disputes.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by confidently representing the firm in front of clients and managing their expectations.
• Collaborate closely with other members of the team, sharing knowledge and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.
• Exercise autonomy in managing your workload and taking responsibility for progressing matters efficiently.
• Contribute to business development initiatives by identifying opportunities for new client engagements and supporting the case for expanding the partnership.

What you bring:

• Admission to the New Zealand High Court and a current NZ practising certificate (or the ability to obtain one).
• Proven experience as a Senior Associate or Special Counsel (7+ PQE) within employment law, ideally having managed both litigation and advisory matters.
• Ability to operate autonomously enables you to take ownership of cases from inception through resolution without requiring extensive supervision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills that allow you to build rapport with clients quickly and manage those relationships effectively.
• Familiarity with both settlement negotiations and hearings across employment law.

What sets this company apart:

This firm stands out for its genuine commitment to lawyer wellbeing, diversity and inclusivity. The firm has unique policies such as guaranteed time in lieu for overtime worked for recognition of extra effort without compromising on personal time, and active Health, Safety & Wellness committees with regular initiatives to support wellbeing. The partner of the employment team is genuinely committed to supporting your career progression and will guide you into your transition into partnership.

If you're interested in working alongside a supportive team and be involved in some of New Zealand's most interesting employment matters, apply today.

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 Sarah Kim on +64 9 374 7341.