Legal Counsel

• Newly created role
• Broad in-house role with a focus on data protection, digital and IT law
• High performing investment management firm
• Auckland CBD

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an astute and commercially minded lawyer to join a high-performing, award-winning investment management firm at a pivotal stage of growth.

About the company

Milford Asset Management ('Milford') is a proudly staff-owned investment management business with over $30bn in funds under management and an aspiration to become New Zealand's most iconic investment firm. Known for delivering exceptional outcomes for clients, Milford fosters a collaborative, ambitious and forward-thinking culture.

Milford is experiencing strong, sustained expansion and has set its sights on ambitious future growth. To support this phase of growth and maturity, a new role of Legal Counsel has been created within its highly regarded Risk, Compliance and Legal team.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Legal, you'll join a high-performing legal team and play a key role in providing strategic legal advice, navigating complex regulatory obligations and enabling innovation while managing legal risk.

This is a broad, generalist role ideal for a team-oriented lawyer who is curious, adaptable and eager to grow in a dynamic environment. You'll work across a diverse range of legal matters, including:

• Reviewing, drafting and negotiating a wide variety of commercial agreements, including technology contracts
• Advising on data protection, privacy and digital compliance
• Supporting business teams with legal queries across product development, licensing, outsourcing and IP
• Advising on property-related legal matters such as lease negotiations and documentation
• Providing legal input into investor communications, fund documentation and marketing materials
• Collaborating with internal teams to develop and maintain policies, particularly in areas such as data governance, AI and cybersecurity
• Engaging with external counsel on specialist matters such as employment, IP and cross-border issues
• Monitoring regulatory developments and ensuring legal implications are clearly communicated across the business

This role offers a unique opportunity to accelerate your professional growth. You'll work on high-quality legal matters within a dynamic, growth-focused business, supported by experienced colleagues and trusted external advisors. With scope to take ownership and build influential relationships across the organisation, you'll be well-positioned to make a valuable impact.

What we are seeking

• Qualified lawyer with NZ practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
• 5 years+ PQE, with a background in corporate and/or commercial law gained in a law firm or in-house team
• Exposure to data protection, IT law and technology transactions is preferred
• Sound experience in contract negotiation and legal drafting
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, time management and organisation skills
• A passion/interest in leveraging technology to enhance legal operations
• A positive, approachable and collaborative style

This is an exciting opportunity to join a talented legal team that values collaboration, respect and shared success. With a superb working culture, stimulating legal work and a competitive remuneration package that includes a suite of attractive benefits, this is your chance to contribute meaningfully to a business shaping the future of investment in New Zealand.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity and to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact Jennifer Williams at Williams Legal Recruitment Limited on or