Senior Associate - Family

About the Opportunity Our client is a highly successful, growing legal practice based in modern offices in Auckland Central. Known for providing tailored, practical legal advice backed by strong experience and resources, the firm is expanding its litigation practice and seeking a Senior Family Lawyer to lead and grow their family law offering. This is a rare career opportunity for an experienced advocate who thrives in courtroom proceedings and is looking for a clear career path with succession planning built into the team’s long-term vision or eventually go to the Bar. The Team & Environment You will join a high-performing litigation practice backed by exceptional mentorship and support: Senior Leadership: You will be overseen by a Partner with over 30 years of top-tier litigation experience, alongside a Consultant bringing an additional 30+ years of litigating expertise. Specialist Support: Supported by a seasoned Legal Executive who previously spent years supporting a prominent King’s Counsel (KC), providing elite-level drafting, file management, and procedural backing. Junior Talent: Supported by a Law Graduate and newly admitted junior solicitors eager to assist with legal research and document preparation. Key Responsibilities In this role, you will manage a full caseload of complex family law matters with a high degree of autonomy, focusing heavily on courtroom advocacy: Courtroom Advocacy: Prepare for and conduct appearances, hearings, and trials across the Family Court and High Court. Relationship Property: Advise on complex relationship property disputes, Contracting Out Agreements, and financial settlements. Care of Children & Guardianship: Represent clients in parenting disputes, guardianship issues, and urgent applications (e.g., Protection Orders, Without Notice applications). Dissolution & Maintenance: Handle dissolution proceedings, spousal maintenance, and child support matters. Strategy & Negotiation: Lead mediations, settlement negotiations, and alternative dispute resolution processes. Mentorship & Leadership: Provide direction and informal guidance to the team's junior solicitors and graduates. What the Firm Is Looking For Experience: Senior post-admission experience (PQE) specialising in Family Law and Relationship Property in New Zealand. Courtroom Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for litigation and being on your feet in court. Autonomy: Confidence in running complex files independently from initial instruction through to trial or settlement. Leadership Potential: Strong communication skills and a desire to take ownership of the family law practice with an eye toward future equity or partnership succession. Client Care: A practical, empathetic, and firm approach to managing sensitive client matters under pressure. What the Firm Offers Clear Career Pathway: Genuine succession planning opportunities for a strong leader who wants to shape the future of the practice. Mentorship: Work alongside highly respected litigators with combined decades of court experience. Location & Facilities: Premium, modern offices situated in Parnell with easy accessibility to the Auckland CBD courts. Competitive Package: A top-tier remuneration package reflective of your experience and contribution to the firm's growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr