Associate or Senior Associate – Litigation

DLA Piper LLP; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

DLA Piper in New Zealand is seeking a mid to senior Associate to join our Litigation & Regulatory practice in Auckland. The role focuses on premium, international disputes for global clients, offering exposure to high-quality matters and a collaborative, high-performing team.

The successful candidate will bring 3–10 years' PQE, strong drafting and analytical abilities, and enjoy mentoring junior lawyers within a dynamic, globally connected firm.

Qualifications

• 3-10 years' PQE in law
• Experience in complex, high-value dispute resolution work gained at a top tier firm – NZ or overseas
• Strong analytical, research and drafting skills
• Mentoring junior lawyers and teamwork skills

Skills

Dispute resolution

Analytical

Research

Drafting

Mentoring

Job description

Ready for a global career without limits? We are looking for a mid to senior associate to join our team at DLA Piper in New Zealand.

We have a great opportunity for an Associate or Senior Associate to join our growing Litigation & Regulatory practice, where you will focus on shaping the future. This isn't your average role – it's a chance to focus on premium, international work for some of DLA Piper's global clients.

About the Team

Joining this team will provide you with the opportunity to get involved in high quality, interesting and challenging work in a supportive, high-performing environment.

About You

We are looking for:

• An ambitious and commercially minded lawyer with 3-10 years' PQE
• Experience in complex, high-value dispute resolution work gained at a top tier firm – either in NZ or overseas
• Strong analytical, research and drafting skills
• A great communicator and team player who enjoys mentoring junior lawyer

At DLA Piper, you will have the freedom to seize opportunities and discover your own path. We warmly welcome applications from talented lawyers with a global mindset, whether you're returning home to New Zealand or looking to relocate.

The preference is for NZ qualified lawyers with a current right to work in NZ. Consideration may be given to exceptional candidates from a comparable common law jurisdiction.

About us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion s not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we conduct pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile Working

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

Pre-Engagement Screening

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.

Staying in touch with like-minded people is important to us. Our Talent Community provides unique access to our firm so you can discover why we are a different kind of law firm.

We pride ourselves on the extraordinary impact we make beyond the borders of traditional law. That’s only possible because of the skills our business professionals bring and the environment we create to let them thrive. See where your skills could take you.