Legal Counsel — Commercial Contracts & Projects

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

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,