Legal Counsel

Selwyn District Council; Rolleston; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Wellbeing leave

Volunteer leave

Sick leave from day one

Discounts with local and national NZD

Job summary

Selwyn District Council in Rolleston is seeking a proactive legal professional to join the Legal and Risk Team. You will provide expert guidance on commercial, property and regulatory matters while supporting strategic objectives and staff development.

You will manage complex contracts, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead initiatives that strengthen the council's legal framework and risk management. A collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Laws with admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• 3–7 years of experience in a similar legal environment.
• Experience across commercial, property and/or regulatory matters.
• Proven ability to provide strategic, sound advice in multi‑stakeholder settings.
• Strong drafting, negotiating and contract management skills.
• Ability to work independently and with colleagues while delivering practical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, regulatory, and compliance matters
• Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes
• Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations
• Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters
• Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards
• Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability

Skills

Legal advisory

Commercial law

Regulatory compliance

Contract drafting

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor of Laws

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Due to an internal promotion, we have a great opportunity to join our Legal and Risk Team who were the 2026 Winners of the People and Culture excellence award (and finalists in two other categories including small in-house team of the year). Local government is going through an unprecedented era with significant legislative change transforming the sector and the way we work. This is your chance to be at the forefront of helping Selwyn shape itself as it moves into this new phase.

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Risk, you will play a vital role in providing expert guidance and advice to Council Members, the Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Your support on legal, strategic, commercial, and risk matters will be key to helping the Council achieve its strategic objectives. You will be supported in your own growth and have your ideas valued and championed. The team are innovative and work hard but genuinely have fun while doing it.

Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, regulatory, and compliance matters

Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes

Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations

Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters

Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards

Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability

About you:

As a legal professional with 3 to 7 years' experience in a similar environment, you'll have expertise across commercial, property and/or regulatory matters. With a Bachelor of Laws and current admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of

New Zealand, you'll bring a track record of providing sound, strategic advice in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to work independently and with others on diverse legal matters, coupled with your proficiency in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensures you excel in delivering practical, tailored solutions.

Passionate about contributing to a positive team culture and celebrating each other's achievements

Ready to lead by example, delivering high-quality outcomes that align with organisational goals and values

Curious and have a thirst for learning and knowledge

Willing to give anything a go and turn your hand to new and unfamiliar problems

Thrive on complexity and challenge

Natural ability to build relationships with stakeholders at all levels

Tackle challenges with initiative and resilience, maintaining composure under pressure

Effective communication

Adaptability allows you to thrive in dynamic, evolving environments

What we're really looking for is the right person with the drive and ability to deliver great legal service so if you don't tick all the boxes, please do still apply.

What we can offer:

Great work-life balance with flexibility

Career coaching and development

Life insurance

Wellbeing and volunteer leave

Three days paid leave between Christmas and New Year

Two weeks paid Partners Leave

Sick leave from day one

Discounts with local and national businesses

About us:

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work:

• Be a good human
• Be brave - Think differently
• Better together- Make it happen for Selwyn.

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

If you'd like to play a part in making Selwyn the best place to live, work and play, join us today!