Senior Associate - Litigation

Tyler Wren; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered dinners

Transport during peak trial periods

Job summary

Jora New Zealand is seeking a Senior Associate in Christchurch to lead complex commercial litigation matters with autonomy and strategic responsibility. You will advise corporate executives and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and regularly appear in senior courts, with a merit-based path to partnership.

You will work directly with nationally recognised litigation partners, taking full ownership of proceedings and shaping outcomes on high-stakes matters for a premier boutique practice.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in complex commercial litigation.
• Extensive High Court experience with appellate or arbitration exposure is a plus.
• Strong academic credentials and analytical ability.

Responsibilities

• Independently run high-stakes High Court and appellate litigation files from instruction to resolution.
• Formulate case strategies and appear as lead or junior counsel in trials and arbitrations.
• Prepare pleadings, affidavits, injunctions, and formal written submissions.
• Advise corporate clients and professional trustees on contentious matters.
• Mentor junior practitioners within the expanding team.

Skills

Autonomous file management

Advocacy strategy

High Court experience

Arbitration exposure

Education

Honours degree

Judicial clerkship background

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.

About the Firm

Our client is an elite, boutique dispute resolution practice recognised in Doyle’s Guide among the leading commercial litigation firms in New Zealand. Founded by top-tier alumni and former High Court Judges' Clerks, the practice has rapidly expanded to a high-performing 10-person team driven by exceptional client demand.

The firm focuses exclusively on complex, high-value, and top-tier matters, with over 70% of its caseload in the High Court alongside regular Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and international arbitration proceedings. The team actively avoids low-value Disputes Tribunal work, focusing instead on commercial litigation, private wealth, public law, and regulatory investigations.

The Opportunity

Due to sustained growth, the partners are seeking an ambitious Senior Associate to join their practice in either Christchurch.

Working directly alongside nationally recognised litigation partners, you will take full ownership of complex proceedings, advise corporate executives and ultra-high-net-worth clients, and regularly appear as counsel in senior courts. This role offers true file autonomy and a clear, merit-based pathway to Partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Autonomous File Management: Independently run high-stakes High Court and appellate litigation files from initial instruction to trial or resolution.
• Advocacy & Strategy: Formulate case strategies and appear as lead or junior counsel in trials, interlocutory applications, mediations, and arbitrations.
• Contentious Drafting: Prepare high-level pleadings, affidavits, injunctions, freezing orders, and written legal submissions.
• Client Advisory: Act as the primary advisor to corporate entities, professional trustees, and private clients.
• Mentorship: Guide and supervise junior practitioners within the growing team.

Candidate Profile

• Experience: Proven track record in complex commercial litigation, with extensive High Court experience (Court of Appeal or arbitration experience is a distinct advantage).
• Capability: Demonstrated ability to manage files autonomously without day-to-day oversight.
• Academics: Exceptional academic credentials (Honours degree or High Court Judges' Clerkship background strongly regarded).
• Ambition: A desire to join a premier, fast-growing practice with clear partnership prospects.

What’s on Offer

• Defined Career Trajectory: A direct, organic path to Partnership as the firm continues to scale.
• Premier Caseload: Intellectually stimulating, top-tier work without low-level dispute volume.
• Competitive Package: Market-leading remuneration reflecting senior capability.
• Culture & Perks: Supportive, flexible environment with firm-provided perks (catered dinners and transport during peak trial periods).