Senior Solicitor

Hamilton City Council; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working policy

Wellbeing days

Health insurance (Unimed)

Job summary

Hamilton City Council is seeking a senior in-house lawyer to provide practical, solution-focused advice across a broad range of commercial and governance matters.

You'll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team and managers to identify and manage legal risk, draft and negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements across the organisation.

Qualifications

• This is a senior role requiring a recognised legal qualification and NZ practising eligibility.
• Proven experience in commercial and contract law, preferably in-house.
• Ability to translate complex legal matters into practical advice; strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements.
• Advise on procurement and major projects to ensure legal compliance.
• Identify and manage legal risks and support governance decisions.
• Mentor and develop junior legal team members; collaborate across Council.

Skills

Commercial & contract law

In-house experience

Legal risk assessment

Communication & relationship skills

Public sector governance

Strategic advisory

Education

LLB or overseas equivalent with NZ practising certificate

Job description

Hamilton City Council – Hamilton, North Island

This role is part of the Governance and Assurance Team who ensure elected members have the information and support they need, when they need it, to represent residents well and achieve great outcomes for our city. We’re also the go‑to team for advice on a wide range of governance and democratic processes.

Job Description

We're looking for a lawyer who enjoys providing practical, solution‑focused advice across a diverse range of matters. You may have experience in a senior position under your belt already or be ready to make the next step in your legal career.

With a strong background in commercial and contract law ideally with experience in an in‑house environment you'll work closely with the Executive Leadership Team, managers and colleagues across the organisation to provide expert legal guidance, identify and manage legal risk, and help ensure Council delivers on its responsibilities with confidence.

This is a senior role where you'll work with a high level of autonomy while building strong relationships across Council. Day to day, you'll draft, review and negotiate a wide range of commercial contracts and agreements, advise on procurement and major projects, and help ensure Council's decisions and operations meet their legal and legislative requirements. You'll have the opportunity to work on complex and interesting assignments, influence strategic decisions, and contribute to good governance across the organisation.

You’ll also help shape the ongoing development of our internal legal services sharing your expertise, supporting and mentoring junior team members, and driving improvements to the way we work.

To succeed, you'll bring:

• A recognised legal qualification and current (or eligibility for) a New Zealand practising certificate;
• Proven experience in commercial and contract law, ideally including time in an in‑house legal team;
• Sound judgement and the ability to translate complex legal matters into clear, practical advice;
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, with the confidence to work across all levels of the organisation.

If you're motivated by meaningful work, enjoy collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, and want to make a positive impact in a community‑focused organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

• A proven track record of thinking differently, acting with integrity, working collaboratively, and making it happen.
• Strong self‑awareness and commitment to continuous development, with the ability to foster growth in others.
• Ability to manage sensitive investigations, emerging risks, and complex issues with discretion and sound judgment.
• Capacity to make decisive, well‑reasoned decisions in both pressure situations and times of change.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in legal contexts but also communicating across legal/organisational divides.
• Strong influencing and relationship management skills, particularly in a political and community‑focused environment.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks across diverse areas of law.
• Proven experience working successfully with external legal service providers to ensure a fit‑for‑purpose and efficient approach to legal services provision.
• High attention to detail as well as the ability to think strategically about situations that have potential legal liability, are litigious, or high sensitivity.
• Public sector governance knowledge, understanding decision‑making processes, transparency and accountability.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutory frameworks impacting local government operations.
• Awareness of political dynamics and ability to navigate legal obligations in a politically sensitivity environment.
• Experience representing clients in minor litigation or hearings is desirable.
• Familiarity with legislation relevant to local government.
• 7+ years PQE as a practicing lawyer, preferably with in‑house or public sector experience.
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or overseas equivalent qualification and current (or eligible) New Zealand practising certificate.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary?

Circa $120k - $140k dependent on level of PQE, skills and experience.

• Flexible by choice; an award‑winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Applications close on the: 15 Sept 2026

Note: We will be shortlistingas we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role.

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.