Senior Legal Counsel, Enforcement

Financial Markets Authority; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver 4%

Holiday leave over Christmas

Public holiday swap

Diversity & inclusion

Wellbeing programs

Job summary

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) in Auckland seeks a Senior Legal Counsel in the Enforcement team. This role is offered on secondment from another government entity or as a fixed-term contract until mid‑September 2027.

Bring your litigation experience to bear on investigations and enforcement actions that support fair, transparent and safe financial markets. You will draft court documents, provide high‑quality legal advice, and advocate where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Qualified solicitor with litigation background.
• Knowledge of civil procedure and/or criminal procedure.
• Knowledge of the financial services industry preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to the investigation team on active investigations.
• Draft instructions to external Counsel and experts.
• Draft Court documents as required.
• Advocacy where the opportunity arises.
• Facilitate collaboration within the organisation to promote a connected approach.

Skills

Litigation experience

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Adaptability

Drive and enthusiasm

Education

Law degree (LLB)

Job description

A great place to work. With great work to do. Ours is a meaningful and impactful role, as kaitiaki (caretaker) of the financial services sector in Aotearoa. We oversee a market that does right by everyone, ensuring better outcomes for all New Zealanders. Our role as kaitiaki is brought to life by our values; Look to the Horizon, Help the Team Work, Make the Calls and Open Hearts, Open Minds.

Te Tūranga | The Role

Join us as a Senior Legal Counsel in the Enforcement team on secondment from another government entity or fixed term contract until mid-September 2027, you'll be joining a dedicated, passionate team responsible for all legal matters pertaining to FMA investigations and enforcement. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to utilise their professional experience to develop their litigation skills and grow their knowledge of financial markets law.

You'll have the opportunity to get involved in complex, high-profile and engaging mahi including providing high-quality legal advice in relation to investigations, litigation and other enforcement actions. You'll be ensuring FMA's enforcement goals are achieved, and that the enforcement function reinforces FMA's reputation as a strong, effective, proactive and respected organisation.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing input and advice to the investigation team on active investigations
• Drafting instructions to external Counsel and experts
• Drafting Court documents as required
• Advocacy where the opportunity arises
• Facilitating positive working relationships and identifying opportunities for collaboration within the organisation to promote a connected-organisational approach

He kōrero mōu | About you

This position is suited to an experienced solicitor with a litigation background. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the financial services industry and of civil procedure and/or criminal procedure, but it will be your drive, enthusiasm and adaptability that will allow you to truly excel in this role. Your strong interpersonal and communication skills will be just as important as your technical abilities.

This role will see you working with an incredibly hard-working team that cares deeply about their work and the significant impact it makes. The successful candidate will be adaptable, able to think on their feet and able to deal with highly complex information. This is a role with high expectations, tight deadlines and critical deliverables to keep the financial markets of Aotearoa fair, transparent and safe.

At the Financial Markets Authority, a growth mindset is at the heart of our culture, so if you have most of these things in your toolbox, we'd love to hear from you.

Ngā painga | What we offer

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits, including:

• 4% KiwiSaver employer contribution
• Paid leave over the Christmas period
• The ability to swap public holidays for days that hold personal significance
• At the FMA, we’re committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
• We also offer a range of wellness and social activities to support both personal and professional wellbeing and help our people genuinely connect with one another.