Senior Solicitor - Employment Law (Wellington)

Kumara Vine; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

KiwiSaver

Job summary

Ministry of Education in Wellington seeks a Senior Solicitor (Employment Law) to advise on complex employment matters within a public education context. You will support bargaining, interpretation of collective agreements, and litigation with autonomy and professional judgment.

The role requires a strong track record in employment law, excellent communication, and a commitment to public service. Salary range listed and KiwiSaver available.

Qualifications

• Specialist employment law knowledge.
• Strong analytical and advisory capabilities.
• Experience with complex advisory work and litigation is preferred.
• Ability to work autonomously in a complex public sector environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality legal advice on employment law and related issues.
• Support bargaining, collective agreement interpretation, and dispute resolution.
• Advise on leave legislation, pay equity, and HR matters.
• Represent the organisation in mediation, Employment Relations Authority, and court hearings.

Skills

Employment law

Legal analysis

Advisory experience

Mediation

Litigation support

Education

Law degree (Tertiary qualification in law)

Practising certificate (NZ Law Society)

Job description

Senior Solicitor - Employment Law (Wellington)

We work toshape aneducation system that deliversequitable andexcellent 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.

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 annumplus KiwiSaver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

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

You will bring:

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

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.

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.

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.