Legal Counsel

The University of Waikato; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave provisions

Wellbeing support

Superannuation benefits

Job summary

The University of Waikato is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join the Office of the General Counsel on a nine‑month fixed‑term basis. Based at the Hillcrest campus, the role covers a broad commercial law practice, advising academic and professional staff, and managing a varied portfolio of matters with strategic importance for the University.

You will draft and negotiate commercial agreements, provide practical risk and regulatory advice, support major property and development projects,

Qualifications

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ.
• Current NZ practising certificate, or eligibility to hold one.
• 5–7 years' post-qualification experience in private practice, in-house, public sector or tertiary education.
• Experience in commercial contracting, including drafting and negotiating agreements.
• Strong communication, plain-language drafting and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, including research, funding, procurement, licensing and confidentiality agreements.
• Advising on contractual risk, negotiations and contract management.
• Supporting major projects, including property, construction and development matters.
• Providing advice on privacy, Official Information Act, education and regulatory matters.
• Preparing and reviewing responses under the Official Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 2020.
• Assisting with investigations, complaints and other sensitive matters.
• Contributing to legal compliance initiatives and training within the Legal team.

Skills

Communication

Relationship-building

Plain-language drafting

Education

Barrister and Solicitor admission, NZ

NZ practising certificate

Job description

Job Description

Use your legal expertise across a diverse, growing university and contribute to complex commercial and strategic initiatives.

• Support analysis across complex ICT initiatives
• Help shape solutions that deliver meaningful outcomes
• Build trusted relationships across the University

Ngā ākoro mŋh ā pāranga – About the role

The University of Waikato is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join the Office of the General Counsel

for a nine-month fixed-term appointment.

This is an opportunity to work across a broad and varied legal practice, providing practical advice and support to academic and professional staff throughout the University. You will manage a diverse portfolio of legalmatters and contribute to key strategic initiatives and projects.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements, including research, funding, procurement, licensing and confidentiality agreements.
• Advising on contractual risk, negotiations and contract management.
• Supporting major projects, including property, construction and development matters.
• Providing advice on privacy, official information, education, commercial and regulatory matters.
• Preparing and reviewing responses under the Official Information Act 1982 and Privacy Act 2020.
• Assisting with investigations, complaints and other sensitive matters.
• Contributing to legal compliance initiatives, training and continuous improvement within the Legal team.

The role offers exposure to a wide range of matters, including major University initiatives such as the development of the medical school.

This is a fixed-term, full-time position (37.5 hours per week) based at our Hillcrest campus. Salary will be negotiated with the preferred candidate based on skills and experience. For more information, please refer to the position description.

Ko wai koe? – Who are you?

You’ll be an experienced legal practitioner who can manage matters independently, exercise sound judgement and provide clear, practical advice to non-lawyer clients.

You Will Have

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• A current New Zealand practising certificate, or eligibility to hold one.
• 5–7 years' post-qualification experience in private practice, in-house, the public sector, tertiary education or another regulated environment.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial contracting, including drafting and negotiating agreements.
• Strong communication, plain-language drafting and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to manage varied, complex work and competing priorities.
• Experience advising on governance, regulatory compliance and risk management matters is desirable.

Experience with the Official Information Act 1982, Privacy Act 2020, property, construction or major projects is preferred. Experience working in the tertiary or public sector environment, including an understanding of the Education and Training Act 2020, is desirable.

Ko wai mātou? – Who are we?

Legal sits within Corporate Services and provides trusted legal advice and support to the University. The team works with senior leaders, academic and professional staff, external counsel and other stakeholders on a wide range of matters, including commercial contracts, education law, governance, regulatory compliance, privacy, intellectual property, disputes and risk management. It offers the opportunity to work on diverse and meaningful issues that support the University’s teaching, research and community objectives.

He aha āngā take me tono mai ai koe? – Why should you apply for this position?

Be part of a University that is making a difference locally, nationally and globally. The University of Waikato is recognised internationally for the quality of its teaching, research and partnerships, and offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative and supportive environment.

In return, we offer a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, generous leave provisions, wellbeing support and superannuation benefits.

The University of Waikato values diversity and welcomes applications from candidates with the skills and experience to our community. Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand in accordance with the New Zealand Immigration requirements.

Ko te Tangata – For the People

The University of Waikato prides itself on the quality of its engagement with the communities that it serves, the provision of a world-class education and the national and international impact of its research. Our policies are guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – the Treaty of Waitangi and equal opportunity for all.

E herea ana te Whare Wānanga ki te kaupapa kia whakaratohia te mea angitū ŋrite ki āngżata katoa.

Applications Close on 25 September 2026

Requisition number: 1003896