Solicitor

Real Estate Authority; Wellington; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Real Estate Authority in Wellington is seeking a Solicitor to provide legal advice and manage litigation files under supervision within the Legal Services team. The role focuses on licensing, disciplinary processes under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008, and related regulations.

You will develop advocacy and litigation skills through Tribunal and Court appearances, while contributing to regulatory activities and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years' PQE in a legal or regulatory setting.
• NZ practising certificate required or in process.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and opinions to the team and stakeholders.
• Manage litigation files under supervision of senior lawyers.
• Work on licensing, disciplinary processes, and regulatory projects.
• Conduct legal research and contribute to policy and practice developments.
• Assist with compliance obligations including information acts as required.

Skills

Legal advice

Litigation

Regulatory environment

Stakeholder communication

Education

NZ practising certificate

Job description

Is it time to progress your legal career? Come and build your future with the Real Estate Authority (“REA”). Due to an internal promotion, we have a Solicitor role available in our Legal Services team. This is a great opportunity to develop your skills in legal advice and/or litigation.

The REA team is welcoming, super friendly, collaborative and committed to making a difference for New Zealand. You can expect rewarding and complex work in an exciting sector that is critical to New Zealand. A great central Wellington CBD location, commitment to staff professional development and flexible working are amongst many benefits of joining the REA team!

The REA is the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand Real Estate profession. Our purpose is to promote and protect the interests of consumers and promote public confidence in the performance of real estate agency work.

REA is a high performing respected conduct regulator with a critical role in the real estate sector. We license real estate agents, oversee the code of conduct, continuing professional development and the complaints and discipline process. We are a proactive, evidence-led regulator committed to supporting high standards of conduct in the profession and protecting consumer interests. We strive to understand and serve the needs of New Zealand's diverse communities in all of our work.

REA offers a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome people who bring a range of perspectives, skills and experience including those who may bring a Māori and Pacific Peoples perspective.

Mō te tūnga- About the role

You will be responsible for the provision of legal advice, opinions, and managing litigation files under supervision from senior lawyers in the team including the Legal Services Manager.

The work will be in relation to the licensing and disciplinary processes contained in the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 and its associated Regulations and Codes.

You will also have the opportunity to develop and grow practical advocacy and litigation representation skills through Tribunal and Court appearances under supervision and acting as a junior on appropriate cases.

You will also undertake work in relation to:

• Legal advice to REA Staff, the Board and Complaints Assessment Committees;
• Assisting with operational legal advice to support staff responsible for managing the licensing, disciplinary and other activities of the REA;
• Legal research and working on projects related to REA's regulatory activities and strategic priorities;
• Assisting to ensure that the policies and practices underpinning the REA's activities meet the highest possible standards, and are rigorous, fair, and able to stand up to in depth professional and judicial scrutiny; and
• Assisting REA to comply with its statutory obligations including the Official Information and Privacy Acts.

You will have at least 2 years' PQE, ideally with experience working in a legal or regulatory environment (but not essential). As well as being able to hold a NZ practising certificate, you will also have some or all of the following:

• Experience in providing operational legal advice;
• Knowledge of the Real Estate Agents Act and its related regulations and codes (or an ability to gain such knowledge quickly);
• can produce legal work that is thorough, accurate and reliable;
• can build and maintain effective relationships, has good communication skills and a collaborative work style;
• is happy to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another;
• is confident and capable at managing their own workload, while also being comfortable seeking guidance and clarification where necessary from senior colleagues; and
• evidences a regard for diverse perspectives, ensuring the fair treatment of all people.

We encourage you to apply even if you feel you don't meet all the selection criteria so we can consider your suitability for the role or other suitable opportunities at REA.

The job description and application form can be found on the REA website https://www.rea.govt.nz/about-rea/work-for-us/

Please let us know if you have any specific access needs to allow you to participate in our recruitment process.

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 21 September 2026, 5pm

Please note, you must have a legal right to work in New Zealand. Successful appointment is conditional upon police vetting and qualification checks.