Litigation Lawyer

Senior Litigation Lawyer (4+ Years PQE) | Civil, Public & Māori Legal Issues
Location: Auckland, New Zealand (Hybrid / Flexible working available)
Practice Area: Civil & Commercial Litigation, Treaty of Waitangi, Māori Land & Public Law

Our client is a dynamic, specialist law firm recognised for delivering high-calibre legal services with a client-centred, values-driven approach. They pride themselves on offering the sophistication and quality of a large firm within an agile, supportive, and truly collaborative boutique environment.

Their litigation practice spans complex commercial disputes, public law, and a market-leading practice in Māori legal issues, Treaty of Waitangi claims, and Māori land and governance matters. They work alongside iwi, hapū, trusts, incorporated entities, and commercial clients on high-profile matters that carry genuine cultural and socio-economic significance across Aotearoa.
The Role They are seeking an ambitious, sharp, and empathetic litigation lawyer with at least 4 years of Post-Qualification Experience (PQE) to join their close-knit, high-performing practice.

In this role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of complex disputes, taking ownership of files while working directly alongside experienced directors and partners. A significant focus of your practice will involve navigating high-stakes Māori legal issues, requiring both outstanding legal acumen and cultural fluency.

Key Responsibilities

• High-Profile Litigation: Manage complex civil, commercial, public, and administrative law disputes from initial instruction through to hearing/trial.
• Māori Legal Practice: Advise and advocate on Treaty of Waitangi negotiations and claims, Māori Land Court/Māori Appellate Court proceedings, trust governance disputes, and customary rights issues.
• Advocacy & Strategy: Appear as counsel in the District Court, High Court, Māori Land Court, and specialist tribunals; draft pleadings, submissions, affidavits, and legal opinions.
• Client Engagement: Act as a trusted adviser to iwi organisations, corporate entities, and private clients, maintaining strong, values-guided relationships.
• Mentorship: Support and mentor junior lawyers and graduates within the team, contributing to a supportive learning culture.

About You They are looking for a skilled advocate who thrives in a collaborative team and is passionate about achieving meaningful outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 4+ years PQE in litigation within a respected New Zealand law firm or specialist boutique practice.
• Holds a current New Zealand Practising Certificate.
• Strong, demonstrated experience in civil litigation, public law, or Māori/Treaty law matters.
• Proven advocacy skills with court appearance experience (High Court, Māori Land Court, or Tribunal experience is highly regarded).
• Strong understanding of or a strong commitment to deepening your engagement with Te Ao Māori, Tikanga Māori, and Te Reo Māori.

Key Attributes:

• Excellent analytical, research, and legal drafting capabilities.
• High emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and a client-first mindset.
• Pragmatic problem-solver who enjoys autonomy while being an active team player.

Why Join Them?

• Meaningful, High-Impact Work: Engage directly on high-profile cases and Treaty/Māori legal matters that shape communities and legal precedence in New Zealand.
• Exceptional Team Culture: They operate as a close, collaborative team and value mutual support, genuine work-life balance, and an inclusive culture where every voice is heard.
• Clear Career Pathway: They offer structured professional development, direct partner access, and continuous mentoring to support your trajectory towards leadership/Partner.

Please get in touch to hear more - Lisa Gray E: [email protected] or T: 09 973 5470

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