Wellington | Regulatory & Litigation Focus | Meaningful Public Sector Work 

Are you a solicitor with litigation or regulatory experience looking for work that combines interesting legal issues, genuine public impact, and the opportunity to develop as an in-house lawyer? 

The Real Estate Authority | Te Mana Papawhenua (REA) is seeking an Intermediate Solicitor to join our Legal Services team. 

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of New Zealand's real estate regulatory system, providing legal advice, supporting disciplinary processes, and helping protect consumers in one of the country's most important sectors. 

Mō mātou | About us

The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand Real Estate profession. Our purpose is to promote and protect the interests of consumers in real estate transactions and promote public confidence in the performance of real estate agency work. 

REA is a high performing respected conduct regulator with a critical role in the real estate sector. We license real estate agents, oversee the code of conduct, continuing professional development and the complaints and discipline process. We are a proactive, evidence-led regulator committed to supporting high standards of conduct in the profession and protecting consumer interests. We strive to understand and serve the needs of New Zealand’s diverse communities in all of our work. 

The role | Mō te tūnga

Reporting to the Legal Services Manager and working closely with the General Counsel, you'll provide legal advice across a wide range of regulatory, public law, and litigation matters. This is a varied role that will see you:

• Providing practical legal advice to REA staff, senior leaders, the Board, and Complaints Assessment Committees
• Supporting licensing, disciplinary, and regulatory decision-making
• Managing litigation and tribunal matters, including working with external counsel where required 
• Conducting legal research and contributing to regulatory and strategic projects
• Assisting REA to identify, manage, and minimise legal risk 
• Developing expertise in the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and the broader regulatory framework within which REA operates 

You'll work on matters that are legally complex, and important to maintaining public trust in the real estate sector. 

About you| Mōu

We're looking for a lawyer who combines strong technical capability with sound judgement, initiative, and a practical approach to problem-solving. 

You will bring: 

• An LLB and current New Zealand practising certificate (or the ability to get one);
• Three or more years' post-admission experience
• Experience in litigation, regulatory law, public law, or dispute resolution
  Experience appearing before tribunals or courts, or managing litigation matters
• Strong legal research, analysis, and written communication skills
• The ability to provide clear, pragmatic advice to non-legal audiences
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A collaborative and collegial approach to working with others
• Experience working within a regulator, government agency, Crown entity, or public sector environment would be advantageous but is not essential. 

The benefits | Ngā painga

At REA, you'll find:

• A high-performing legal team where your work is visible, valued, and makes a real difference
• Interesting and varied regulatory and litigation work 
• Exposure to senior decision-makers and complex legal issues 
• Opportunities to build expertise in public and regulatory law 
• Flexible working arrangements 
• A culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement and professional growth
• The chance to contribute to better outcomes for consumers and communities throughout New Zealand

If you're looking for a role where you can grow your legal career while contributing to an important public purpose, we'd love to hear from you. 

To apply | Tono mai

Please direct any queries and send your CV, Cover Letter and a completed application form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz

The application form can be found on the REA website: https://www.rea.govt.nz/the-real-estate-authority/work-for-us/. We welcome people who bring a range of perspectives, skills and experience. We encourage you to apply if you meet most of our requirements for the role.

Please let us know if you have any support or accessibility needs so we can assist you during the recruitment process.

Closing date 5pm, 2 July 2026.

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.