Senior Legal Counsel

5 days ago

Auckland CBD, New Zealand The University of Auckland Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

This is a dynamic, fast-paced role where your legal expertise will directly contribute to the University's strategic and commercial success. As Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial, you'll work across a wide range of matters, supporting research, enterprise, procurement, partnerships and innovation.

You'll be part of a collaborative legal team, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that enables the University's teaching, research and engagement activities. This role offers the opportunity to work with purpose, influence outcomes, and support commercial initiatives that have real impact.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements.
  • Advising on intellectual property, confidentiality, data sharing and commercial risk.
  • Supporting commercialisation, innovation and revenue-generating activity.
  • Providing legal input into procurement, funding and partnership arrangements.
  • Partnering with senior leaders to manage legal risk and enable informed decision-making.
  • Contributing to continuous improvement and legal literacy across the organisation.
  • Upholding the University's commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity outcomes.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), Permanent position.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you

You're a confident and capable legal professional with 8+ years PQE, ideally with experience in commercial law within a large and complex organisation. You bring sound judgement, a pragmatic mindset and the ability to work autonomously on high-impact matters.

You're aspirational, smart and commercially aware. Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys solving problems with purpose. You're comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities and building strong relationships across diverse teams.

If you're looking for a role where your legal expertise can help shape innovation and strategic partnerships, we'd love to hear from you.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

  • Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
  • Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
  • A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications should be submitted online, before theclosing date of Sunday 30 November 2025 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.

For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Joshua Chapman - 

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.

  • Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland City, New Zealand Legal Personnel Full time

    Rare In-house Opportunity - Insurance Sector - Auckland CBD location This is a fabulous opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join this growing group, based in central Auckland. The work environment is best described as collegial and agile, it is a big company but with an inclusive feel where things can be achieved quickly and people do not feel like a...

  • Legal Counsel/senior Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland City, New Zealand Niche Full time

    **Legal Counsel/Senior Legal Counsel** Te Pātaka Whaioranga | Pharmac is the Crown Entity that enables access to medicines, medical devices, and vaccines for New Zealanders. Acknowledging Te Mana o Te Tiriti o Waitangi, they strive to improve equitable health outcomes through their mahi on behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand. They have an opening in their...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Auckland CBD, New Zealand Oyster Management Limited Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$200,000 per year

    Who we are.Oyster is a leading New Zealand commercial property and fund manager and is recognised as a market leader in sourcing and structuring property funds and capital raising. We also manage a range of office, industrial, large-format retail, and retail assets throughout New Zealand. At Oyster we are committed to Building a Brighter Future and it is...

  • Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Auckland CBD, New Zealand Manuka Health Full time NZ$80,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    About Manuka HealthManuka Health is a high performing team of 200 people and about 1.5 billion bees, working together to become the leading Manuka honey company globally. At the heart of our collective effort is a culture of care. We care deeply about our people, products, consumers, communities, environment, and our impact on the world.Our vertically...

  • Legal Counsel

    3 days ago

    Auckland CBD, New Zealand Bank of China (New Zealand) Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

    Bank of China (New Zealand) Limited is on an exciting journey to become New Zealand's leading global bank. With a passionate team of over 130 people operating across our offices in Auckland and Christchurch, we're committed to the success of our customers nationwide. Combining our strong local presence with our extensive international network, our team is...

  • Legal or Senior Counsel

    3 days ago

    Auckland CBD, New Zealand Ad Idem MMXXII Limited Full time NZ$100,000 - NZ$150,000 per year

    The Opportunity This is an outstanding opportunity for talented lawyers looking to be in the engine room, doing purposeful work in the trans-Tasman Legal, Risk, and Compliance team of a highly commercial company, headquartered in Auckland. This is not a back-office function - the Legal Risk and Compliance team are absolutely central to this company's growth...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Auckland CBD, New Zealand The University of Auckland Full time NZ$120,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

    Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of AucklandThe University of Auckland is New Zealand's pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 6,000 staff and 46,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand's most...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland City, New Zealand Auckland Council Full time

    **He angitūtanga: The opportunity** Te Kaunihera o Tāmāki Makaurau/Auckland Council has an opportunity for two permanent full-time **Senior Legal Counsel**to join its Regulatory & Enforcement team, reporting to the Associate General Counsel - Regulatory & Enforcement in Ngā Ratonga Ture/Legal Services. This is a critical role for providing sound and...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Hato Hone St John Full time NZ$90,000 - NZ$120,000 per year

    Auckland or ChristchurchMix of office and WFHKo wai mātou - About us: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...

  • Senior Legal Counsel

    5 days ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Full time NZ$100,000 - NZ$180,000 per year

    Ko wai mātou | Who are weThe Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Group serves as the lead governance body of our iwi, made up of elected representatives and our corporate trustee. Together, we safeguard and grow the collective assets of our people, ensuring they advance the cultural, social, and economic aspirations of our whānau.We are entering a new chapter, one of...