Senior Solicitor Employment Law

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI); Wellington; On-site; NZD 122,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 3 additional MPI leave days

Ability to purchase extra annual leave

Bi-annual paid eye test

Job summary

The Ministry for Primary Industries in Wellington seeks a Senior Solicitor – Employment Law to provide high-quality, timely advice across MPI. You will be one of two dedicated employment lawyers, advising senior leaders and partnering with People Advisory and operations teams.

The role covers advisory work, litigation support, mediations, and Employment Relations Authority matters, with opportunities to work with external advocates.

Qualifications

• Significant employment law expertise with advisory and litigation experience.
• Ability to provide practical, risk-based legal advice to senior leaders.
• Experience advising on policy, investigations, disputes and litigation.

Responsibilities

• Provide well-researched, practical, and contextualised employment law advice.
• Advise senior leaders on complex employment matters aligned to organisational objectives.
• Lead on employment law issues, including legal risk management and operational improvements.
• Partner with People Advisory and managers to develop strategies for resolving complex workplace matters.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with managers and external legal providers.
• Act as instructing solicitor and provide litigation support in employment-related proceedings.
• Support mediation, Employment Relations Authority matters, and other employment disputes.
• Contribute specialist employment law expertise across a wide range of business groups and operational areas.

Skills

Employment law

Litigation support

Advisory skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Policy development

Education

Law degree

NZLS Practising Certificate

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Solicitor Employment Law

Role Type: Fixed Term to September 2028, Full Time or Part Time (minimum of 20 hours/week)

Location: Wellington City

Salary band & range: GSR C $121,764 to $156,743 depending on skills and experience

About the Role - Kōrero mō te Tūranga

We are seeking an experienced Senior Solicitor - Employment Law to join our Legal Services Directorate within Corporate Services. As one of two dedicated employment lawyers at MPI, you will play a critical role in providing high-quality, practical, and timely employment law advice across a large and diverse organisation. This is a rare opportunity to work as an in-house employment law specialist within government, partnering closely with Legal Services, People Advisory, and leaders across MPI's varied operational environment.

This is a challenging and rewarding role suited to an experienced employment law practitioner who thrives and enjoys working on complex matters. You'll provide both advisory and litigation support, with opportunities to attend mediations, support Employment Relations Authority proceedings, and work alongside external advocates and legal providers. MPI is committed to developing talented people and offers exposure to a broad range of employment law issues affecting staff working in diverse roles throughout New Zealand.

In this role, you will:

• Provide well-researched, practical, and contextualised employment law advice.
• Advise senior leaders on complex employment matters aligned to organisational objectives.
• Lead on employment law issues, including legal risk management and operational improvements.
• Partner with People Advisory and managers to develop strategies for resolving complex workplace matters.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with managers and external legal providers.
• Act as instructing solicitor and provide litigation support in employment-related proceedings.
• Support mediation, Employment Relations Authority matters, and other employment disputes.
• Contribute specialist employment law expertise across a wide range of business groups and operational areas.

About You - Mōu

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply your specialist employment law expertise within one of New Zealand's largest and most diverse public sector organisations. You'll be confident working with senior leaders, navigating complex issues, balancing legal risk with practical outcomes, and quickly developing an understanding of MPI's operating environment and strategic objectives.

You bring significant employment law expertise and have a proven track record advising on employment relations matters, policy and procedure, workplace investigations, disputes, and litigation. You will be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, enjoy building trusted relationships and providing pragmatic advice to support sound decision-making.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A tertiary qualification in Law and a current NZLS Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one).
• Significant experience providing specialist employment law advice and litigation support.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative working style.
• Proven ability to deliver practical, risk-based legal advice on complex matters.
• Experience advising senior leaders and influencing decision-making.
• Excellent relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Sound judgement, discretion, and strong conflict-of-interest management.
• An understanding of the public sector and machinery of government.
• Willingness to occasionally travel outside Wellington as required.

You do not need to meet all of the role requirements to apply. We offer a breadth of development and learning opportunities and will welcome an application if you think you could make a great fit.

About the Team - Mō tō mātou Rōpū

The Legal Services Directorate sits within MPI's Corporate Services branch and provides expert legal support across a diverse range of areas, including employment law, public law, commercial arrangements, emergency responses, prosecutions, litigation, organisational risk management, and legal training. You'll join a highly regarded, collaborative team known for its approachable and supportive culture, working alongside experienced colleagues who are respected experts in their fields. The legal team are seasoned professionals who bring deep expertise, a practical approach, and a great sense of humour while contributing to meaningful work across New Zealand's largest and most diverse government departments.

About MPI – Mō Te Manatū Ahu Matua

We're passionate about growing prosperity in the sector while ensuring respect for Kaitiaki – guardianship of our natural resources.

Benefits of working at MPI – Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū Ahu Matua

• Up to 3 additional MPI leave days
• Ability to purchase extra annual leave
• Bi-annual paid eye test and contribution to the costs of corrective lenses/frames

Security checks – Ngā Taki Whakahaumaru

This role requires a New Zealand national security clearance. To be considered for this role, you must meet the eligibility criteria set out below.

CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance

• You must be a NewZealand citizen or hold a NewZealand residence‑class visa (including permanent residence).
• You must have a minimum five (5)‑year background history that can be verified and assessed by the NewZealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine your suitability for a CONFIDENTIAL national security clearance.

Find out more about the national security vetting process here and access the eligibility self‑check tool here.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we will not be able to accept your application.

Are you ready to make a difference? – Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi whaitake?

We are committed to being a good partner under Te Tiriti o Waitangi which includes working closely with iwi, hapū, whānau and hāpori.

We aspire to reflect the diverse communities we serve, so we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, and identities. As an organisation, we are committed to making Manatū Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries a great place to work for all.

In your cover letter we'd like to know about you, your values; your interest and motivations for this role; the abilities, strengths, personal attributes, and diverse perspectives you will bring to the role and this organisation, which may have also been gained outside of the workforce.

Applications close at 11.59pm Sunday 27 September 2026

If you have any questions about the role, please email [e-mail]