Senior Legal Counsel

1 week ago


Christchurch, New Zealand Decipher Group Full time

Decipher Group – Christchurch, South Island

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand offering a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. The Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help communities thrive and grow.

The Council’s values are important to them and represent the way they work:

Be a good human, Be brave, Think differently, Better together – Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

With the head office located in Rolleston (but flexible working available), Selwyn District Council is accessible to urban living or acts as a gateway to the wider region and all it has to offer.

The Council and wider region are growing rapidly and has some exceptional projects and ventures to deliver in the near future. To support this growth, they are looking for a Senior Counsel Commercial and Property . Join Selwyn District Council and be part of a forward-thinking organisation that’s making a real difference in one of New Zealand’s most exciting regions.

The Council offers a number of benefits, including three additional days of annual leave between Christmas and New Year, 15 days sick leave, one Wellbeing and one Volunteer Leave Day as well as life insurance.

About the opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Risk, you will play a vital role in providing expert guidance and advice to Council Members, the Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Your support on legal, strategic, commercial, and risk matters will be key to helping the Council achieve its strategic objectives. In doing this you will:

  • Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, construction, and compliance matters.
  • Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes.
  • Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations.
  • Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards.
  • Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability.

You will be joining a team of four lawyers, newly established and with a broad mandate. This is an opportunity to help shape the function from the ground up and be part of something which has a lasting impact on the way Council leads into the future. You will be supported in your own growth and have your ideas valued and championed. The team work hard, but genuinely seek to have fun while doing it.

About you

You are a seasoned legal professional with over seven years of experience, including specialist expertise in commercial, property, and construction law (although less will be considered for exceptional candidates). With a Bachelor of Laws and current admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, you bring a track record of providing sound, strategic advice in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to work independently on diverse legal matters, coupled with your proficiency in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensures you excel in delivering practical, tailored solutions.

You are curious and have a thirst for learning and knowledge, willing to give anything a go and turn your hand to new and unfamiliar problems. You thrive on complexity and challenge.

Beyond your technical skills, you are a collaborative and forward-thinking team player. Known for your ability to "eat problems for breakfast" and have a natural ability to build relationships, you tackle challenges with initiative and resilience, maintaining composure under pressure. Your effective communication ensures clarity and builds trust with stakeholders at all levels, while your adaptability allows you to thrive in dynamic, evolving environments.

Passionate about contributing to a positive team culture, you enjoy mentoring others and celebrating their achievements. You are ready to lead by example, delivering high-quality outcomes that align with organisational goals and values. Sound like you?

How to apply

Apply online with Decipher Group at

Applications close: 10th December 2024

#J-18808-Ljbffr
  • Legal Counsel

    2 months ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Hato Hone St John Full time

    **Company Description** Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders and working to save lives since 1885. As well as providing Ambulance Services, our programmes and team of over 11,000 staff and volunteers are helping to build strong, resilient communities across the motu; supporting everyone in Aotearoa to live healthier, happier and longer...

  • Legal Counsel

    6 months ago


    Christchurch City, Canterbury, New Zealand Calder Stewart Full time

    **About Calder Stewart** From humble beginnings to a truly national player, Calder Stewart is a nationwide leader in developing property and building solutions for New Zealand’s industrial and commercial markets. Every year our team of around 450 people delivers outcomes for local, national, and international clients by building many of the largest and...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in property, conveyancing, and retirement village matters! - Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise - Make a meaningful difference in what you do! - Enjoy varied and dynamic work **About Ryman Healthcare** At Ryman, we believe the...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in property, conveyancing, and retirement village matters!Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise Make a meaningful difference in what you do!Enjoy varied and dynamic work About Ryman Healthcare At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in property, conveyancing, and retirement village matters!Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertiseMake a meaningful difference in what you do!Enjoy varied and dynamic workAbout Ryman HealthcareAt Ryman, we believe the measure of a full...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Christchurch, South IslandFull time3 days ago, from Institute of Data New ZealandChristchurch basedPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Christchurch, South Island Full time3 days ago, from Institute of Data New Zealand Christchurch based Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Christchurch, South IslandFull time3 days ago, from Institute of Data New ZealandChristchurch basedPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a...

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in property, conveyancing, and retirement village matters! Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise Make a meaningful difference in what you do! Enjoy varied and dynamic work About Ryman Healthcare At Ryman, we believe the measure of a...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora – Christchurch, South Island Full time 3 days ago, from Institute of Data New Zealand Christchurch based Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building...

  • Legal Counsel

    3 months ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Westland Milk Products Full time

    Westland Milk Products is a well-known New Zealand end-to-end dairy manufacturer based in the beautiful South Island with offices and production facilities based in both Christchurch and Hokitika. Owned by the Global Top 5 dairy company Yili Group, Westland Milk Products and its related companies in New Zealand, Oceania Dairy (Glenavy), Pure Nutrition Ltd...

  • Legal Counsel

    6 months ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Ryman Healthcare Full time

    Fantastic opportunity to join our team as Legal Counsel; drive legal excellence in corporate & commercial matters - Unlock your full potential in a supportive environment that values your expertise - Make a meaningful difference in what you do! - Enjoy varied and dynamic work **About Ryman Healthcare** At Ryman, we believe the measure of a full life is one...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Permanent, full timeHealth New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, CanterburyPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Permanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, CanterburyPermanent, full timeHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Permanent, full time Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel - Te Waipounamu at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability,...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago


    Christchurch, New Zealand Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora Full time

    Christchurch based - Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're building a health system underpinned by partnership, equity, sustainability, whānau-centred care, and excellence. **About the...


  • Christchurch, New Zealand New Zealand Government Full time

    Senior Legal Counsel, Employment at Te Whatu Ora, Canterbury Christchurch or Dunedin Preferred – can consider locations based over Te Waipounamu Permanent, full time Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is dedicated to serving all New Zealanders. Through integration and collaboration, we're...