Senior Solicitor

Influence complex regulatory and public law decisions Provide trusted advice across a nationally significant regulator Permanent position based in Wellington About the Role As a Senior Solicitor, you'll play a key role in supporting CAA's regulatory functions by providing expert legal advice across aviation, regulatory and public law matters. Working closely with senior leaders, managers and specialist teams, you'll help ensure robust statutory decision-making, manage legal risk, and support the effective delivery of aviation safety and security outcomes for New Zealand. Key Responsibilities Provide expert legal advice across aviation, regulatory and public law matters Support statutory decision-making and the exercise of regulatory powers Identify legal and governance risks and recommend practical solutions Advise on investigations, enforcement action and prosecution decisions Review and interpret legislation, policies and regulatory requirements Partner with senior leaders to provide timely and trusted legal guidance Contribute to organisational capability through legal training and workshops Prepare legal advice, briefings and responses to complex public sector matters Support the consistent delivery of high-quality legal services across the organisation The salary band for this role is $115,536 - $141,751. Starting salaries are based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, as well as internal relativities. For more information on the role please view the position description. What You'll Bring You’ll be an experienced lawyer who enjoys working in a complex regulatory environment and providing practical, solutions-focused advice. You’ll be confident engaging with senior stakeholders, comfortable navigating ambiguity, and motivated by work that contributes to public safety and good regulatory practice. To succeed in this role, you'll demonstrate: Significant post-admission legal experience, ideally within the public sector or a regulated environment Strong capability in public law, regulatory law, administrative decision-making or related areas The ability to provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on complex issues Confidence influencing and advising senior leaders and decision-makers Sound judgement and a balanced approach to legal risk management Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills The ability to simplify technical legal concepts for diverse audiences Experience coaching, mentoring or supporting the development of others A collaborative, adaptable and professional approach to delivering results You’ll also be a qualified solicitor with an LLB or equivalent legal qualification and currently hold, or ability to obtain, a New Zealand practising certificate. About Us The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is New Zealand’s aviation safety and security regulator. We play a critical role in protecting the travelling public, supporting the aviation sector, and strengthening New Zealand’s international reputation. Our vision is simple and powerful: A safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe, and feel safe when they fly. Our values — Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration — guide everything we do. We’re committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment where everyone feels respected, safe, and valued. Our people are central to our success. Why Join Us? 5 weeks annual leave, Sick leave entitlements from day 1 Matching KiwiSaver contributions up to 4% Vision assistance Employee Assistance Programme #J-18808-Ljbffr