Senior Solicitor – Regulatory Strategy & Leadership

Archives; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 148,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Internal Affairs seeks a Principal Solicitor to act as a trusted senior adviser across two legal teams. You will support regulators, oversee regulatory work, and guide strategic risk management while mentoring colleagues to strengthen the Legal Team.

You will identify emerging risks, provide practical guidance, and build capability across the organisation, thriving in a fast-paced environment with high-stakes matters.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years PQE.
• Senior-level legal experience with sound judgement on high-risk matters.
• Strong regulatory and public law expertise.
• Ability to move between portfolios and grasp unfamiliar issues quickly.
• Working under urgency, sensitivity or ambiguity.
• Excellent communication and relationship management.
• Mentoring and coaching of other senior lawyers.
• Interest in Māori/Crown relations and Te Tiriti o Waitangi is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior advisory across Te Tari Taiwhenua's two legal teams.
• Support Legal Managers in overseeing regulatory work and risk.
• Identify priorities, provide strategic guidance, and shape advice.
• Mentor colleagues and build capability across the Legal Team.

Skills

Regulatory & public law

Senior advisory

Te Tiriti o Waitangi knowledge

Communication skills

Leadership & mentoring

Portfolio switch capability

Education

Barrister and Solicitor NZ

Job description

The Department of Internal Affairs seeks a Principal Solicitor to act as a trusted senior adviser across two legal teams. You will support regulators, oversee regulatory work, and guide strategic risk management while mentoring colleagues to strengthen the Legal Team.

You will identify emerging risks, provide practical guidance, and build capability across the organisation, thriving in a fast-paced environment with high-stakes matters.