Senior Solicitor - Employment Law

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Job summary

The New Zealand Government seeks an experienced employment lawyer to contribute to Aotearoa’s education system. This Senior Solicitor (Employment Law) role sits within the Employment Law team in Legal & Privacy, providing high‑quality legal advice across the Ministry, including bargaining support, interpretation of collective agreements, and related litigation.

You will advise on internal HR matters, leave legislation and pay equity, and operate with autonomy in demanding, evolving contexts.

Qualifications

• 6+ years post-admission experience.
• Strong legal analytical skills in employment law.
• Ability to provide clear, practical, timely advice.
• Excellent relationship-management and communication skills.
• Experience in mediation and in appearing before the ERA and Court.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.
• Tertiary qualification in law with NZ Law Society practising certificate.

Responsibilities

• Advise on internal HR matters and leave legislation.
• Support bargaining and interpretation of collective agreements.
• Provide high-quality legal advice in complex, evolving contexts.
• Assist with litigation and appearances before the Employment Relations Authority and Court.

Skills

Employment law

Legal advisory

Relationship mgmt

Legal research

Education

Law degree

Practising certificate

Job description

Help shape the future of education in New Zealand Help shape the future of Education We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes. Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced employment lawyer to contribute to Aotearoa’s education system. This role sits within the Employment Law team in Legal & Privacy. This specialist team is responsible for providing employment law and related advice and support across the Ministry, including supporting bargaining, collective agreement interpretation, and litigation. As a Senior Solicitor (Employment Law), you will provide high‑quality, practical legal advice in a complex operating environment. In addition to advising on internal HR matters, your work will involve advising on leave legislation and pay equity, and will support decision‑making during collective agreement negotiations. You will be trusted to operate with a high degree of autonomy, sound judgment, and professionalism in matters that are often complex and demanding.

Salary range: $120,171 - $145,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience. For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for an experienced employment lawyer who combines strong technical capability with empathy, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.

• Ideally, 6+ years of post-admission experience
• Strong legal analytical skills, with experience in employment law, complex advisory work, litigation
• The ability to provide clear, practical, and timely advice in complex and evolving contexts
• Excellent relationship‑management and communication skills, with the confidence to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Strong research, organisational, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in mediation and in appearing before the Employment Relations Authority and Court.
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Tertiary qualification in law and the ability to hold a practicing certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Experience in the public sector and/or advising on bargaining will be an advantage.

Applications from lawyers with fewer than 6 years of post-admission experience but with relevant public sector and/or bargaining-related experience can be considered.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate is responsible for a range of support functions that enable other Ministry areas to focus on the delivery of excellent and equitable outcomes for users of the education system. The functions within the group are focused on providing responsive services and solutions that enhance Ministry staff experience and maintain and grow public trust and confidence in the Ministry to deliver. The Legal team sits within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and enables Education to undertake its functions lawfully by providing quality legal services.

For further information, please contact Antoinette Russell, Legal Manager – Employment Law, at [e-mail]

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 23 November 2026 NB: applications will be considered as they are received.

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging.

If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.