Legal Counsel

Todd; Wellington; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent energy company in Wellington is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their team. This role involves providing legal support across various business divisions, drafting contracts, and managing disputes. Ideal candidates will have a strong LLB degree, NZ legal certificate, and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience. The company offers generous leave provisions, a flexible work environment, and a dynamic culture in the evolving energy sector.

Benefits

Generous leave provisions

Discretionary incentive payment

Sociable inclusive culture

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years PQE in legal counsel or similar roles.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating commercial contracts.
• Background in energy sector or procurement is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and support to all Todd divisions.
• Draft and review a wide range of commercial contracts.
• Advise on and manage legal processes and disputes.

Skills

Legal advice and support

Commercial contract negotiation

Dispute management

Excellent relationship skills

Education

LLB degree

NZ legal practicing certificate

Job description

Overview

Todd, one of New Zealand’s oldest family businesses and a key player in New Zealand’s energy transition, is on a mission to continue what it’s been doing for over 140 years – contributing to New Zealand’s prosperity. Our core business involves the production and sale of natural gas and electricity to supply a diverse range of customers, including wholesale, large industrial, commercial, and residential. We are at the forefront of the energy transition, committed to delivering reliable and sustainable energy solutions with new investment in solar energy.

We're looking for a highly capable Legal Counsel to serve as a key legal partner, delivering essential legal services to all Todd divisions including Todd Energy, Nova Energy and Shared Services. You'll join a cohesive, high-performing legal team led by an accomplished General Counsel, in a supportive workplace.

The ideal candidate will be based in Wellington, but applications will also be accepted from New Plymouth and Auckland.

About the role

As Legal Counsel, you will provide tactical and practical legal advice and support to the Todd Group on a range of complex and general matters. This is a great and unique in-house role offering exposure to a wide range of corporate and commercial activities across the organisation in the constantly evolving energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Providing legal advice and support by anticipating issues and risks, developing mitigation options.
• Reviewing, advising on, and drafting a wide range of commercial contracts, working with the business to determine transaction structures and negotiation strategies.
• Where required, advising on and managing dispute processes, including legal proceedings, with the goal of optimising outcomes and ensuring processes are managed efficiently.

About you

You are a smart and motivated legal professional with a high level of initiative. You possess keen commercial acumen and the ability to interpret complex issues to devise clever, commercial solutions. You navigate complexity with sound judgment and build trust using excellent relationship skills.

You hold a strong LLB degree and a current NZ legal practicing certificate, with a minimum of 4 years PQE.

Your background consists of:

• Working in a top tier private practice firm with experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts is highly preferred.
• Experience in the energy sector, consumer law, procurement, or property is also a bonus.

What We Can Offer You

• Generous leave provisions including parental leave top ups for 26 weeks, volunteer leave, 3 days office closure leave and the option to purchase additional leave.
• A discretionary incentive payment based on your performance and the Company’s.
• A sociable inclusive culture with an active calendar of activities.
• A dynamic environment in a transforming sector where you can learn, grow and thrive.
• A flexible work environment.

More about the office

The ideal candidate will be based in Wellington, but applications will also be accepted from New Plymouth and Auckland. Our Wellington office is home to the corporate teams of Todd Group and Nova Energy. You will be working alongside a diverse group of people including Finance and Executive leadership. We have an active social calendar and celebrate cultural events throughout the year.

Join our dedicated team

Join our dedicated team and grow your career in a supportive and inclusive environment where we value diversity and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout the recruitment process. Please don't hesitate to share any specific needs or ways we can assist and support you throughout this process.

• Due to immigration requirements, we are only accepting applications from those who have current work rights in New Zealand right now.
• Please note that you may not receive notification of the outcome of your application until the vacancy has closed, and we have completed the shortlisting process.