Associate - Senior Associate

MinterEllisonRuddWatts; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is seeking talented lawyers to join its Construction, Infrastructure and Energy Advisory team in New Zealand. The firm offers opportunities to work on major projects across New Zealand and beyond, alongside leading specialists.

The successful candidates will have 2–12 years PQE in transactional or advisory work, ideally in construction, infrastructure or energy, and be capable of high-quality drafting and client relationship management.

Qualifications

• 2–12 years PQE in transactional or advisory work, ideally in construction, infrastructure or energy.
• Willing to move across to specialise in construction from a commercial or property practice.
• Excellent drafting skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Advise on significant construction, infrastructure and energy contracts and projects.
• Draft, review and negotiate construction, infrastructure and energy contracts.
• Conduct research and provide well-reasoned transactional and regulatory advice.
• Assist with procurement structures, tendering processes and risk allocation on major project delivery.

Skills

Contract drafting

Contract review

Regulatory advice

Legal research

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Education

Law degree (LLB)

Job description

As MinterEllisonRuddWatts grows its Construction, Infrastructure and Energy Advisory team, the firm is seeking talented lawyers to join and work alongside some of the country's leading specialists in these sectors.

This is an excellent opportunity for motivated advisory lawyers to develop their skills and career by working on major projects across New Zealand and beyond.

About the firm

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a leading New Zealand law firm with a proud 130-year history and was named New Zealand Law Firm of the Year at the 2024 Chambers Asia-Pacific Awards.

Known for its technical excellence and commercial approach, the firm partners with leading clients to deliver practical solutions to complex challenges. Guided by its value of Waka Eke Noa, it fosters an inclusive, collaborative culture where its people are empowered to thrive.

With offices in Auckland and Wellington and strong Asia-Pacific connections through the MinterEllison Legal Group, the firm offers the best of a top-tier New Zealand firm with the reach of an international network.

About the team

Ranked Band 1 by Chambers (Construction) and Legal500 (Real Estate & Construction; Projects & Resource Management), MinterEllisonRuddWatts' Construction, Infrastructure and Energy Advisory team is one of the most respected teams in the country. The team is collaborative, ambitious, energetic and at the forefront of its sectors.

Led by partners Natasha Hood, Vimal Nair and Mark Crosbie, the team works on complex, high-profile projects that are shaping New Zealand's future. It advises on major infrastructure, renewable energy and development projects, spanning transport, utilities, and large-scale commercial, residential, retail and industrial developments.

The firm's clients include major energy companies, overseas investors, central and local government, financial institutions, leading private sector organisations and high networth investors.

The broader team is supported by exceptional mentors who are committed to developing their people, providing hands‑on opportunities to build technical expertise, strengthen client relationships and accelerate careers. Team members:

• Work as part of project teams advising clients on significant construction, infrastructure and energy transactions
• assist in the drafting, review and negotiation of construction, infrastructure and energy contracts across a range of standard and bespoke forms;
• Conduct research and provide well‑reasoned advice on transactional and regulatory matters; and
• Assist with procurement structures, tendering processes and risk allocation advice on major project delivery.

About you

The firm is looking for junior and senior lawyers to join with between 2 and 12 years PQE in transactional or advisory work, ideally in construction, infrastructure or energy.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts encourages and welcomes junior lawyers who are open to moving across to specialise in construction from a commercial or property practice where they have been involved in complex contract review and preparation.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent drafting skills, a keen eye for detail, and a proactive, self‑motivated approach to managing their workload.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, together with a genuine passion for developing and nurturing client relationships.

If this sounds like you and you're looking for a role where you'll be challenged, supported, and trusted to make an impact, a confidential, informal chat can be arranged over coffee to learn more in the first instance.