Are you an experienced legal professional looking for an opportunity to bring your property and commercial expertise to an in-house role? Do you have a vision for making a significant impact within local government? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you to shape the future of a newly formed legal team!

About the role

Council’s Legal Services team are trusted advisors to the organisation, responsible for the provision of quality, cost-effective and timely legal advice and assistance. The team work across the organisation to foster a high-performance culture, accountability and to reinforce Council’s social license.   

As the Senior Legal Counsel – Property and Commercial, you will provide expert advice and guidance on a broad range of complex legal issues relevant to local government with a focus on property and commercial areas. This includes providing advice across a variety of legislation, drafting and reviewing contracts and property transactions, managing litigation, and instructing external providers.

You will feel confident providing quality, timely and pragmatic advice to the Chief Executive and Senior Leadership team, Council Managers and when required – the Mayor and Elected Members.

You will have a growth mindset and excellent judgment. You will build effective relationships, be customer-orientated and committed to high quality outcomes.

This is an exciting new leadership position within a small in-house function where you will have the opportunity to support the General Counsel and wider legal team to implement the legal strategy and contribute to Council’s priorities and community outcomes.

Skills and Experience

• Current legal practicing certificate for New Zealand and relevant legal qualifications. 
• Demonstrated senior-level knowledge and experience providing legal advice and assistance across a range of issues relevant to local government (8+ years PQE desirable). Current legal practicing certificate for New Zealand and relevant legal qualifications. 
• Demonstrated property and commercial experience across easements, encroachments, leases and a wide variety of contracts. The ability to assess and instruct external providers where warranted such as for the acquisition and disposal of land, public works, reserves and complex development agreements.
• Ability to succeed in dynamic work environment working and to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated high level of discretion and diplomacy with ability to maintain strict confidence on any Council matter of a sensitive nature. 
• Understanding and awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Māori perspectives and Council’s statutory obligations to Māori and mana whenua in the Kāpiti Coast District, and the ability to apply this knowledge to ensure the effectiveness of Council’s internal legal function and the advice provided to Council staff particularly where this relates to Council’s partnership with mana whenua.  

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your CV and covering letter to damian@inside.co.nz. Alternatively if you have any questions about this position or would like to have a confidential discussion about it, please contact Damian Hanna on 021 689 916.

Closing date for applications is 22nd September.

The preferred candidate will be required to undergo the usual pre-employment checks, including drug and alcohol screening and criminal history checks. Please note you must be eligible to work in New Zealand.