Graduate / Junior Finance Solicitor

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic law graduate to join our Auckland Finance team. We anticipate this role commencing in 2026 and can accommodate a flexible start date to align with admission or Professional Legal Studies Course (PROFS) commitments.

This is an exciting opportunity for a law graduate or junior lawyer with a genuine interest in commercial law and finance, a curious mindset, and a strong desire to learn and develop their career. We welcome applications from candidates who have completed their law degree and are either enrolled in, or have completed, PROFS.

About the role

As part of our market-leading Finance team, you will work alongside experienced lawyers and partners on a wide range of rewarding and high-profile transactions for banks, corporates, funds and other market leading organisations.

You will gain exposure to a variety of matters, including bond issuances, securitisations, structured finance, fintech and sustainable finance. From day one, you'll be encouraged to contribute meaningfully to matters while building strong technical, commercial and client relationship skills.

Reporting to Finance Partner Luke Ford, one of New Zealand's leading finance lawyers, you'll join a collaborative team that is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build a successful career in law.

Recent highlights include:

• Assisting with the structuring and establishment of the Community Housing Funding Agency (CHFA), a bond issuer providing large-scale, low-cost debt financing to New Zealand's community housing providers.
• Advising Heartland on bank and finance aspects of its proposed merger with TSB Bank.
• Advising Challenger on its $240 million securitisation financing of Spark's mobile handset receivables and ongoing receivables financing programme.
• Advising NZX-listed issuers with domestic bond offers, including recent issuances for Kiwibank, Ryman and Mercury.
• Assisting New Zealand issuers to access international capital markets in Europe, the US and Australia, including Chorus and Westpac.

We're looking for someone who has:

• A strong LLB transcript
• Completed a Bachelor of Laws and is either enrolled in, or has completed PROFS
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Learning and development

We believe the best way to learn is through meaningful, hands-on experience supported by great people. You'll have opportunities to take ownership of your work, develop your technical skills, and gain exposure to complex transactions, all while benefiting from mentoring, a buddy system, and ongoing support from experienced lawyers who are invested in your success.

Working for Chapman Tripp

• Top-tier clients and work
• Inclusive and collaborative culture with regular social events
• Supportive leadership and mentoring
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits, including healthcare and a wellbeing allowance

We are a collaborative workplace of smart, passionate and hardworking people, united by a commitment to excellence. Work for Aotearoa New Zealand's largest legal partnership and enjoy a firm which has the resources and structures in place for you to do your best work; as well as people who are caring, inclusive and authentic.

For a confidential discussion about this role, please contact Janki Parmar, Graduate Specialist, on [email protected]