Family Lawyer

Tompkins Wake; Hamilton; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Tompkins Wake is expanding its Family Law team and seeking lawyers (3–8 PQE) to join our flexible, hybrid group. Preference for Senior Solicitor or Associate level, with possibility to work from Hamilton or other offices across NZ.

You’ll handle complex family law matters and grow your practice in a supportive, down-to-earth culture that values work-life balance. The role offers ownership of your matters, mentoring of junior lawyers, and a connected team across multiple offices with flexible

Qualifications

• 3–8 years’ PQE with experience (or strong interest) in family law
• Solid grounding in relationship property, care of children, or litigation
• Confidence managing files and working both independently and as part of a team, with strong advocacy and drafting skills

Responsibilities

• Care of Children and parenting disputes
• Relationship property matters
• Family violence and protection orders
• PPPR Act applications
• Dissolution and spousal maintenance
• Contracting out agreements
• Trust and estate disputes
• Manage files with appropriate support, contribute to litigation and dispute resolution, appear in court, and mentor junior lawyers

Skills

Family law

Client relationships

Litigation

Communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Family Lawyer (3–8 PQE) – Flexible Location | Hybrid Working
Do meaningful familylaw work—without compromising how you want to work.
We’re growing our Family Law team at Tompkins Wake and are looking for additional lawyers (preferably Senior Solicitor or Associate level but open to considering others) to join us. While our preference is to be based in Hamilton, we’re would consider candidates working from any of our offices (Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga or Rotorua) depending on experience and team composition, with hybrid working options available.

The Opportunity

You’ll work alongside experienced specialists on a wide range of meaningful and often complex family law matters, with the support and flexibility to shape your practice in a way that aligns with your experience and career goals. This is a role where you can take real ownership of your work, build strong client relationships and grow your expertise in a supportive, down to earth team.

Your work will include a mix of:

• Care of Children and parenting disputes
• Relationship property matters
• Family violence and protection orders
• PPPR Act applications
• Dissolution and spousal maintenance
• Contracting out agreements
• Trust and estate disputes

Depending on your experience, you’ll manage files with appropriate support, contribute to litigation and dispute resolution, appear in court and support and mentor junior lawyers as you grow.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–8 years’ PQE with experience (or strong interest) in familylaw
• Solid grounding in relationship property, care of children, or litigation
• Confidence managing files and working both independently and as part of a team
• Strong communication, drafting, and advocacy skills
• A calm, empathetic approach when working with clients
• A genuine interest in developing your career in familylaw

At Tompkins Wake, you’ll find the balance many lawyers are looking for. This being high quality and meaningful work, real responsibility and client exposure, a collaborative, approachable team culture and flexibility in how and where you work.

We offer:

• Competitive salary aligned with experience
• Clear development and progression pathways
• Mentoring from experienced practitioners
• A connected team across all four offices

Tompkins Wake is a national law firm with offices in Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. We combine the capability of a large firm with the connection and agility of a regional one, giving our people the opportunity to do great work, while building careers that work for them.

Our Commitment

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our Rainbow Tick certification and participation in the NZLS Gender Equality Charter reflect our belief that different perspectives make us stronger.