Legal Counsel Commercial and Property

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand offering a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. The Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help communities thrive and grow.

The Council’s values are important to them and represent the way they work:

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

With the head office located in Rolleston (but flexible working available), Selwyn District Council is accessible to urban living or acts as a gateway to the wider region and all it has to offer.

The Council and wider region are growing rapidly and has some exceptional projects and ventures to deliver in the near future. To support this growth, they are looking for a Senior Counsel Commercial and Property. Join Selwyn District Council and be part of a forward-thinking organisation that’s making a real difference in one of New Zealand’s most exciting regions.

Council offers a number of benefits, including three additional days of annual leave between Christmas and New Year, 15 days sick leave, one Wellbeing and one Volunteer Leave Day as well as life insurance.

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Risk, you will play a vital role in providing expert guidance and advice to Council Members, the Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Your support on legal, strategic, commercial, and risk matters will be key to helping the Council achieve its strategic objectives. In doing this you will:

• Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, construction, and compliance matters.
• Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes.
• Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations.
• Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters.
• Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards.
• Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability.

You will be joining a team of four lawyers, newly established and with a broad mandate. This is an opportunity to help shape the function from the ground up and be part of something which  has a lasting impact on the way Council leads into the future. You will be supported in your own growth and have your ideas valued and championed. The team work hard, but genuinely seek to have fun while doing it.

You are a seasoned legal professional with over seven years of experience, including specialist expertise in commercial, property, and construction law (although less will be considered for exceptional candidates). With a Bachelor of Laws and current admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, you bring a track record of providing sound, strategic advice in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to work independently on diverse legal matters, coupled with your proficiency in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensures you excel in delivering practical, tailored solutions.

You are curious and have a thirst for learning and knowledge, willing to give anything a go and turn your hand to new and unfamiliar problems. You thrive on complexity and challenge.

Beyond your technical skills, you are a collaborative and forward-thinking team player. Known for your ability to "eat problems for breakfast" and have a natural ability to build relationships, you tackle challenges with initiative and resilience, maintaining composure under pressure. Your effective communication ensures clarity and builds trust with stakeholders at all levels, while your adaptability allows you to thrive in dynamic, evolving environments.

Passionate about contributing to a positive team culture, you enjoy mentoring others and celebrating their achievements. You are ready to lead by example, delivering high-quality outcomes that align with organisational goals and values.  Sound like you?

Apply online with Decipher Group at https://www.deciphergroup.co.nz/candidates/opportunities/

To discover more about Selwyn District Council, visit https://www.selwyn.govt.nz/

For a confidential discussion about the role; contact Sarah Dixon on 022 1934 170 or email [email protected]