General Counsel

Nelson City Council; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization in New Zealand seeks a skilled General Counsel to lead its legal team. The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advice, manage legal risk, and support Council decisions. Candidates should have substantial legal advisory experience, strong negotiation skills, and a thorough understanding of New Zealand law. This full-time role offers a competitive remuneration package and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Fully subsidised health insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Continuous professional development

Wellbeing leave

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in local government or a related field.
• Strong ability to apply New Zealand law.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive legal issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Legal Services function for the Council.
• Provide strategic legal advice to Executive Leadership.
• Manage legal risk and enhance Council processes.

Skills

Legal advisory experience

Strong analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Relevant legal qualification

Job description

• Lead the Legal Services function for Council
• Provide strategic legal advice to Executive Leadership and Council

Nelson City Council is seeking a skilled and experienced General Counsel to lead our legal team. In this pivotal role, you will advise on a variety of legal matters, ensure appropriate management of legal risk, and support the Council in achieving its strategic objectives.

Ko tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

As part of our Corporate Services Directorate, you will oversee the provision of high-quality legal services in all areas impacting local government including public law and local government decision making, environmental and regulatory law, litigation and dispute resolution, contracting and procurement, property and governance matters. You will be a member of the senior leadership team, providing leadership and strategic and practical legal advice that informs Council decision-making and supports policy development.

Your responsibilities will include leading the delivery of robust and costs effective legal services through an in-house legal team and external lawyers, providing legal advice and support directly to the Chief Executive and other Executive Leaders, continuously improving Council processes for managing legal risk and managing Council representation and reporting on legal proceedings.

Ko ngā pūmanawa ōu | About you

You are a highly qualified legal professional with extensive experience in local government or a closely related field. Your strong analytical and problem-solving skills, combined with a commitment to public service, will enable you to navigate the unique challenges faced by the Council.

Adept in working collaboratively with diverse teams, you have exceptional communication abilities—capable of clearly conveying complex legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders.

To succeed in this role, you should possess a robust understanding of New Zealand law impacting on local government, outstanding negotiation skills, and a proven ability to manage sensitive legal issues with integrity and diplomacy.

If you are driven to contribute to the Nelson community and possess the qualifications outlined below, we encourage you to apply:

• A relevant legal qualification and admission to practice as a lawyer in New Zealand
• Substantial experience in legal advisory roles, preferably in a local government context
• Experience in leading a high performing and effective team
• Strong ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and legal principles
• Experience in managing legal risk and providing strategic, practical legal advice at a senior level
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders

Ko ngā painga mōu | what we offer

In return for your expertise, we offer a supportive and inclusive work environment where you can make a real impact on our community. Our offering includes:

• Competitive remuneration
• Fully subsidised health insurance
• Flexible working arrangements eg: Hybrid, flexible start and finish times
• Continuous professional development opportunities
• EAP services and Wellbeing leave
• Engaging and challenging work
• A collaborative team culture focused on achieving results together

This is a full-time permanent position 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. If you are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role located in Nelson City, we would love to hear from you.

Applications close: | Rā whakakapi: 5pm Monday 29 September 2025; however, we will be reviewing applications as they are received, so apply promptly. We reserve the right to close the advertising early.

For further enquiries: | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai: Please contact Katrina Schmahl-Taylor on [e-mail]

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