Legal Graduate

• Fully paid Bar admittance with extensive support, including time off to study.
• Relaxed and understanding people-first work environment.
• A unique 1-year graduate programme allowing you to explore areas such as public, commercial and property law, as well as litigation and dispute resolution and regulatory and enforcement.

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.   

You will assist 50+ 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.

He kōrero mōu: About you
We are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about social issues. You will have excellent 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
   

To be eligible to apply, you must have the following:

• Eligibility to work in New Zealand for more than 3 years without sponsorship
• Minimum of a relevant Bachelor’s degree completed January 2024 – January 2026

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
Our Graduate Programme aims to provide you with the opportunities and support you need to launch your career and develop as a future leader or specialist within Auckland Council.  With over 80 areas of business and the chance to work on large-scale projects, we want to see you achieve your goals while making a real difference in the lives of Aucklanders. At the end of the programme, you’ll also be supported in securing a permanent role within one of our Auckland Council entities.

Auckland Council is the largest local government council across Oceania, serving over 1.7 million people and contributing towards making Tāmaki Makaurau a world-class city.
 
We offer a range of employee benefits and proudly support flexible working options where possible. 

To view all the benefits we have to offer at Auckland Council visit our Careers website.   
For more information on our Graduate programme visit our Grads, Interns and Cadets page.

Help us make a difference to Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now!
Applications are being reviewed and progressed as received, so get yours in now!
Review the position description here.
 

If you have any support or access requirements, please advise us when submitting your application so we can assist you.

This role has a starting salary 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.