Graduate or Solicitor

Tēnā koutou katoa. E rere ana te karanga nei ki ngā roia nā ngā hau e whā. This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of te ao Māori, legal work and public policy analysis. This private practice firm works with a wide range of clients in Māori, environmental and public and administrative law. They work for several large clients, alongside top barristers, on cases intended to change New Zealand’s laws. The firm offers a flexible hybrid working environment with the option of working two days per week from home and adjusting your start and finish times to suit your lifestyle.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

This is an ideal opportunity for a junior lawyer to develop their legal skills. You will get time on your feet, present submissions to the Waitangi Tribunal, and build relationships directly with clients at an early stage, including but not limited to visiting Marae and engaging with iwi and hapū.

You will work with clients that are leading the last major historic claim in the Waitangi Tribunal, conducting superior court litigation of Māori freshwater rights, and presenting Waitangi Tribunal claims on housing inequity, the Justice system, ACC, the role of Māori women in society and Māori environmental governance. You will also get an opportunity to work for clients in a range of Māori land and governance issues, as well as get involved in their growing commercial practice developing Māori housing. In addition to the Waitangi Tribunal, the firm make appearances in the High Court, Appeal Courts, and Māori Land Court.

Toitū te Marae o Tāne, Toitū te Marae o Tangaroa, Toitū te Iwi.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

• You will have either finished your professional legal studies or have up to 3 years’ post-admission experience.
• Dispute resolution experience is not essential, but you must have some experience in engaging with Māori or be able to demonstrate some proficiency or genuine interest in working with Māori communities (the firm will support you in further developing your knowledge and skills in this space).
• It is important that you are committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Eager to learn and comfortable working at a fast pace.
• Good academic record.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

This Lower Hutt based firm has exclusively partnered with Robert Walters. Apryl Burgess is managing the recruitment of this position. For a confidential discussion, please call Apryl on +64 27 816 9899 or email apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz.

It is important to note that Apryl is assisting with the recruitment of a more senior position at this firm too, so if you have more experience, please reach out for more information.