Associate or Senior Associate | Environment, Planning and Local Government

Wynn Williams; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

AI-enabled productivity

Collaborative team culture

Professional development

Sustainability & social responsibility

Job summary

Wynn Williams in Auckland seeks an Associate or Senior Associate to join the Environment, Planning and Local Government team. You will advise on environmental, planning and local government matters, including work under the Resource Management Act, infrastructure and development projects, plan changes and consent processes.

You will work with a national team on high-profile matters for clients including developers and authorities, have opportunity to take ownership and mentor junior lawyers, and

Qualifications

• 5-9 years’ experience in environment, planning and/or local government law.
• Ability to work autonomously and mentor junior lawyers.
• Strong interpersonal skills and sound legal judgement.

Responsibilities

• Advise on environmental, planning and local government matters including RMA work.
• Work with national team on complex, high-profile matters for clients.
• Take ownership of matters and mentor junior lawyers.

Skills

Autonomy

Mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Legal judgement

Prioritisation

Client focus

Environmental law

Job description

Associate or Senior Associate | Environment, Planning and Local Government | Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

About Wynn Williams

Wynn Williams is a full-service law firm with offices in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Tāhuna Queenstown. We are known for delivering high-quality legal advice across a range of practice areas, supported by a strong commitment to our people. Our success is not only driven by exceptional legal talent, but by the values and social purpose that set us apart. Our values –People Matter,Owning ItandAlways Excellent– guide how we work with each other, our clients, and the communities we serve. We believe this focus on capability, shared values, and genuine collaboration creates an environment where people can do their best work and continue to develop over time.

About the opportunity

We are seeking an ambitious Associate or Senior Associate to join our Environment, Planning and Local Government team based in Auckland. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer with experience advising on environmental, planning and local government matters, including work under the Resource Management Act, infrastructure and development projects, plan changes, designations, consenting processes, and public law aspects of local government decision-making. You will work closely with a highly regarded national team on complex, high-profile matters for public and private sector clients, including developers, infrastructure providers, and local authorities. The role offers scope to take ownership of matters, contribute strategically to projects of regional and national significance, and mentor and support more junior members of the team.

What we are looking for

We are interested in hearing from lawyers with 5-9 years’ experience in environment, planning and/or local government law and will demonstrate the following skills and attributes:

• Relevant experience and transferable skills gained in a similar role, working on matters of comparable scale and complexity.
• The ability to work autonomously, while also supporting and mentoring junior lawyers within the team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a personable and client-focused approach.
• Excellent technical ability and sound legal judgement.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, think through issues carefully, and provide practical solutions.
• A genuine interest in environmental, planning and local government law, together with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.

What’s on offer

In this role, we offer:

• A competitive remuneration package.
• The opportunity to work at a firm actively utilising AI to enhance productivity and client experience.
• A supportive and collaborative team that values inclusion, diversity, and professional respect.
• Ongoing professional learning and development tailored to individual career aspirations.
• A firm committed to long-term sustainability and strong social and cultural responsibility.