Legal Counsel (Fixed Term)

Whangārei District Council is seeking a motivated and solutions-focused Legal Counsel to join our team on a 12-month fixed-term parental leave cover.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a role that directly contributes to the wellbeing and development of our district. Working across a broad range of legal matters, you'll provide trusted advice that helps Council make well-informed decisions while continuing to deliver positive outcomes for our community.

As one of three in-house Lawyers, you'll work closely with leaders, teams, and elected members across the organisation, providing practical legal advice on a diverse range of issues. No two days are the same in local government, making this an ideal role for someone who enjoys variety, complexity, and working in a collaborative environment.

Your role will include:

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• Providing timely, practical legal advice across a wide range of Council activities
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• Supporting good decision-making and effective governance
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• Identifying and managing legal risks
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• Assisting Council to meet its statutory and regulatory obligations
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• Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation
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We're looking for someone who combines strong legal capability with a pragmatic approach and excellent interpersonal skills.

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally bring:

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• A current New Zealand Law Society practising certificate
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• Sound legal analysis and problem-solving skills
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• The ability to provide clear, practical advice on complex issues
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• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
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• A collaborative and adaptable approach to work
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• An understanding of local government legislation and processes would be beneficial, though not essential
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We welcome applications from lawyers with a range of experience levels. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who is eager to contribute, learns quickly, and enjoys working as part of a supportive team.

At Whangārei District Council, you'll be part of an organisation that genuinely values its people and their contribution.

We offer:

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• Interesting and meaningful work that impacts our community
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• A supportive and collaborative team environment
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• Exposure to a broad range of legal matters
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• Flexible working arrangements
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• Other benefits such as life & health insurance
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This is a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in a dynamic organisation while helping shape the future of Whangārei.