Senior Solicitor / Associate - Litigation

Duncan Cotterill; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct partner access

Close mentoring

Marlborough lifestyle

Job summary

Duncan Cotterill in Blenheim seeks an experienced civil litigator to join a small, partner-led team. You will work directly with a partner, manage matters with supervision, and gain exposure to clients, files and court work from early on.

The role focuses on relationship property and complex civil disputes, offering close mentoring, meaningful responsibility, and strong ties to the Marlborough community.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years' PQE
• NZ practising certificate or eligible to obtain one
• Experience in relationship property matters is desirable

Responsibilities

• Handle a diverse litigation practice focused on relationship property and civil disputes
• Manage own matters with partner supervision
• Appear in court and support negotiations and mediations
• Develop advocacy and dispute resolution skills with close partner guidance

Skills

Litigation experience

Relationship property

Civil litigation

Advocacy skills

Drafting

Communication

Client service

Education

NZ practising certificate

Job description

The team

Our Blenheim Litigation practice is looking for an experienced civil litigator to join its small, partner-led team. This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer who wants more than a narrow support role. You will work closely with one partner, be trusted with meaningful responsibility, and gain direct exposure to clients, files and court work from early on.

Blenheim offers a distinctive practice environment. The work is personal, varied and often relationship driven, with strong links into the wider Marlborough community. You will have the chance to build strong local relationships, develop your own profile over time, and contribute to a practice that is deeply connected to its clients and community.

The work

This role offers a diverse litigation practice with a particular focus on relationship property and complex civil litigation. You could be involved in:

• Relationship property disputes
• Trust and estate disputes
• General civil litigation and commercial disputes
• Contractual and property-related disputes
• Mediation, negotiation and alternative dispute resolution
• District Court and High Court proceedings

Because this is a small practice, you will not be sitting several layers removed from the work. You will have the opportunity to work directly with clients, manage your own matters with partner supervision, appear in court, support negotiations and mediations, and develop your advocacy and dispute resolution skills with close partner guidance.

Could this be the role for you?

We are looking for a lawyer with a minimum of 3 years' PQE who holds (or is eligible to hold) a New Zealand practising certificate.

You will bring:

• Litigation experience, ideally gained in private practice
• Experience in relationship property matters
• Exposure to civil litigation and dispute resolution work
• Court experience or a desire to further develop your advocacy skills
• Strong drafting, communication and negotiation skills
• Sound judgement and a practical, client-focused approach
• A collaborative attitude and commitment to exceptional client service

What we offer

• Excellent exposure in a small practice
• Direct partner access, close mentoring and meaningful responsibility from day one
• A broad and interesting litigation practice with genuine variety
• Opportunities to build courtroom, advocacy and client management experience
• Strong client contact and the chance to build your profile in the Marlborough market
• A supportive, close-knit office with strong local connections
• The ability to enjoy a successful legal career while spending less time commuting and more time doing what matters to you

Life in Marlborough

This role offers the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds; high-quality legal work and an outstanding lifestyle. Marlborough is famous for its sunshine, world-class wineries, stunning waterways and outdoor recreation opportunities. Whether you enjoy boating in the Marlborough Sounds, mountain biking, running, fishing, hiking, food and wine, or simply having more time for family and friends, Blenheim offers an exceptional quality of life that is increasingly difficult to find in larger centres.

About Duncan Cotterill

Duncan Cotterill is one of New Zealand's leading full-service law firms, with six offices nationwide. We are known for combining technical excellence with a practical, client-focused approach and for offering our people rewarding careers, high-quality work and a supportive culture.

For confidential enquiries related to this role please contact Charlotte Holmes, Senior Recruitment Advisor at ***************@duncancotterill.com.