Graduate Programme 2027 - Legal Graduate

Auckland Council is on the hunt for graduates! If you're in your final year or recently graduated and ready to kick-start your career where your work truly matters, our 1-year rotational Graduate Programme is your chance to get stuck in.

Join the largest local government organisation in Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people, and gain hands-on experience and the opportunity to help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau as a world-class city.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity

The Auckland Council Legal Services Department - Ngā Ratonga Ture touches on most areas of New Zealand law, so whatever you’re interested in, you could have a chance to be involved in it.  We have created a fun and supportive environment where you will be able to work alongside talented, committed lawyers to provide legal advice on a wide range of issues affecting Aucklanders.  

Your rotations involve:
Assisting 60+ in-house lawyers in the various Legal teams across a range of matters, such as:

• Managing and providing strategic advice on significant and complex litigation or alternative dispute resolution, including Auckland Council’s prosecutions, RMA matters, debt recovery, civil litigation, leaky buildings and judicial review.  You will have the opportunity to observe in court or attend mediation on some of the matters you have been working on.
• Advising and working on commercial and property law issues for Auckland Council and CCO projects, including advising on contracts, acquisitions and disposals, leasing, and procurement.  You will have the opportunity to review and draft contracts and other legal documents. 
• Advising on environmental, resource management and development matters.  We are involved with appeals of Auckland Council decisions, enforcement and compliance issues, and we also support Auckland Council’s development projects.  You will have the opportunity to work closely with our colleagues who are experts in a range of environmental and resource management fields.
• Advising on and supporting Auckland Council decision-making processes on a wide range of interesting and challenging issues, including bylaws, financial planning, Auckland Council and local government legislation, and law change.  You will have the opportunity to attend the governing body and local board meetings to see elected members make decisions on some of the matters you have been working on.
• As part of our 1-year graduate programme, you'll rotate through our five dynamic Legal teams, gaining hands-on experience in Public, Commercial, and Property Law, as well as Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Regulatory and Enforcement. Throughout the year, you'll receive full support to complete your professional qualifications and get admitted to the bar. After successfully completing the programme, you'll have the exciting opportunity to choose the area where you want to further develop your expertise and become a Junior Legal Counsel.
  

Start date of programme, Monday 15th February 2027

He kōrero mōu: About you

We are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about delivering excellence for Aucklanders. You will have exceptional written and verbal communication skills, be adept at solving problems, and demonstrate resilience by staying strong and positive even when faced with challenges.

We welcome applications from graduates in the following disciplines: Law

You must have:

• A minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree 
• Eligibility to work in Aotearoa New Zealand for more than 4 years without sponsorship

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

You’ll gain a broad understanding of council operations and receive the support you need to step into a permanent role at the end of the programme. We offer flexibility, wellbeing support, tailored learning opportunities, and a development pathway designed to accelerate your career. You’ll also be part of a supportive graduate cohort throughout your journey.

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. 

How we’ll support you as a candidate

We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself.

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi.
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process.
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self.

For more information about the graduate programme, please visit our careers page. 

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions
• One-way video interview
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual
• Pre-employment checks
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau!

We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received, so get your application in now!  

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here.

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!

Applications close: 29 March 2026

Find a copy of the position description here: Legal Graduate PD

This role has a remuneration range of $65,000

Our employer Kiwisaver contribution is additional to base salary offered

#workingforauckland

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.