Senior Legal Counsel

**Company Description** He aha koe ka aroha ai ki a Clarus **(Why you'll love Clarus)

At Clarus you are part of the team of talented specialists helping safely deliver the vital energy New Zealand needs to thrive today and in the future. From starting out in Taranaki our Firstgas, Rockgas, Firstlight Network, Firstlight Renewables, Flexgas and Gas Service NZ operations now span the length and breadth of Aotearoa — so you’re never far away from our good energy. Clarus is investing in opportunities to develop greener alternatives to natural gas and LPG - like partnering with Ecogas to deliver New Zealand’s first renewable biomethane project, and working with other gas distributors to trial hydrogen blending. We care about the communities where we live and work and are guided by principles of inclusiveness, kaitiakitanga and excellence.
**Job Description** He mea whakamiharo koe Legal Counsel? **(Are you an amazing Senior Legal Counsel?)

We’re looking for a talented Senior Legal Counsel to help us keep the good energy flowing.

As our Senior Legal Counsel you’ll be part of a small high calibre legal team responsible for providing expert legal support, services and advice across the Clarus Group as well as being our ‘inhouse SME’ on corporate and commercial law matters.

Your work will be interesting, varied and challenging. Along with providing credible, pragmatic and enabling ‘general legal’ advice and assistance to protect Clarus you will get to work on some exciting commercial projects/ opportunities which could include M&A activities, partnerships, transactions, investments and corporate finance. You will also provide advice and support the General Counsel on Clarus’ corporate governance and Board processes. Success in this role will require you to build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and to be comfortable working and influencing at all levels of an organisation.
**Qualifications** He aha tāu e kawe mai **(What you will bring)

As well as being an awesome team member with lots of initiative and the proven ability to handle complexity and ambiguity, you will have:

- An LLB and a current practising certificate issued by the NZLS or the ability to obtain one,
- 7+ years PQE, preferably including previous inhouse legal experience and/or experience in the energy sector
- Private practice experience in a corporate, commercial or M&A team highly desirable as is a working knowledge of transactions and/or corporate governance law
- A good working knowledge of consumer law, competition law, and general commercial law.
- Proven strengths drafting, negotiating and advising on a broad range of commercial contracts.
- Excellent research and analytical skills.
- Strong planning & organisational skills with the ability to set priorities on competing issues according to business priorities.
- Excellent oral and written communications skills

**Additional Information** Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou **(What’s In It For You)

You’ll be valued for who you are, rewarded for what you do and supported to thrive. We’ll sweeten your (already nicely competitive) salary with a host of extra benefits including an STI opportunity, additional leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements and free insurances and health checks. We’ll fuel your professional development, keep you at the top of your game and help you build the career you want. Our award-winning wellness programme recognises you’re more than the job you do and supports you with initiatives like an annual wellness grant and access to professional wellbeing services for you and your whānau. You’ll get to work in a safe, healthy environment, supported by great people who want to see you succeed.