Associate Commercial Lawyer

Fluid Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fluid Legal Recruitment is partnering with a Christchurch mid-tier law firm to recruit an Associate-level Commercial Lawyer. You will handle a broad range of commercial matters with direct client contact and ownership of matters, working with experienced partners to develop your own client relationships.

The role offers autonomy and exposure to high-performing work, with opportunities to contribute meaningfully within the commercial team and advance your career in a busy Christchurch practice.

Qualifications

• This role requires about 5+ years' PQE in commercial law.
• Ability to manage matters with autonomy and confidence in client dealings.
• Strong commercial judgement and practical, solutions-focused approach.
• Interest in developing a career within a mid-tier practice.

Responsibilities

• Advise on commercial agreements and contracting.
• Handle business sales and acquisitions matters.
• Provide commercial structuring and advice.
• Draft and review shareholder and partnership agreements.
• Manage commercial property transactions and related matters.
• Provide ongoing commercial advice to clients.

Skills

Commercial law

Client liaison

Autonomy

Practical solutions

Business acumen

Job description

Fluid Legal Recruitment is delighted to be partnering with a mid-tier Christchurch law firm as they undertake a search for an Associate-level Commercial Lawyer to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused lawyer who enjoys working closely with clients, taking ownership of matters and being part of a high-performing practice where your contribution is genuinely valued.

The Opportunity

You will work across a broad range of commercial legal matters, advising a diverse client base ranging from established businesses through to privately owned enterprises and entrepreneurs. Your work is likely to include:

• Commercial agreements and contracting
• Business sales and acquisitions
• Commercial structuring and advice
• Shareholder and partnership agreements
• Commercial property transactions
• Terms of trade and general commercial advice
• Advising clients on their ongoing legal and commercial requirements

This is a role that offers plenty of client contact and autonomy, with the opportunity to work directly with experienced partners while continuing to develop your own client relationships.

About You

We are looking for a lawyer with approximately 5+ years' PQE and a solid background in commercial law. You will ideally bring:

• Strong commercial legal experience
• Good technical ability and sound commercial judgement
• Confidence dealing directly with clients
• The ability to manage matters with a good level of autonomy
• A practical, solutions-focused approach
• A genuine interest in developing your career within a mid-tier practice

You may already be working at Associate level or be a Senior Solicitor who is ready for the next step.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to join a respected Christchurch firm with a strong local client base and a genuinely hands-on approach to legal work. Rather than being one small part of a large team, you will have the opportunity to build meaningful client relationships, take ownership of your work and play an important role within the wider commercial team.