Litigation Senior Associate

We are seeking an exceptional litigation lawyer at the Senior Associate level to join one of New Zealand’s premier specialist dispute resolution and advisory teams. This is a strategic, long-term appointment designed for an ambitious practitioner. The firm operates with a view to this individual joining the partnership once they have successfully bedded themselves into the team, established their presence, and consistently articulated the elite level of high-performance work required at this level. This firm routinely acts as both advisor and advocate in complex, high-profile commercial litigation and regulatory matters. Running lean, highly focused files (typically one partner and one lawyer), this role offers a level of autonomy, agility, and meaningful client contact that is rarely matched in traditional top-tier structures. You will regularly find yourself facing off against the country's largest national firms on strategically significant, front-page mandates. The firm's work spans the full spectrum of high-stakes dispute resolution. The workload is balanced roughly as 75% general commercial litigation and regulatory investigations and 25% specialist test cases/complex matters . The practice predominantly acts for defendants, alongside a curated portion of high-value plaintiff-side work. As a Senior Associate, you will not be siloed; you will be exposed to a broad, sophisticated mix of matters, including: • Class Actions & Representative Proceedings: Defending major corporations and directors in large-scale consumer, securities, and Trans-Tasman class actions. • Regulatory Investigations: Representing major financial institutions and corporates in Commerce Commission and other regulatory body enquiries. • High-Value Commercial Disputes: Handling significant contractual, shareholder, and construction/performance bond disputes. • Professional Liability: Defending international accounting firms and professional services partnerships against multi-million dollar claims. Comprising a tight-knit team of legal professionals, the firm prides itself on an open-plan, highly collaborative, and innovative environment. The culture is defined by intellect, curiosity, and mutual support, rather than rigid hierarchy. The partnership includes top-tier practitioners who have returned from prestigious overseas stints specifically because the calibre of work matches global standards, while the firm culture remains personable, collegial, and deeply invested in mentoring. Industry directories consistently rank this partnership as one of the strongest and most efficient litigation teams in the country. This position is ideally suited to a career-litigator who thrives on high-level strategic thinking, desires clear upward mobility to equity, and wants to escape the administrative layers of a massive firm without compromising on the quality of files. • Experience: 6+ years of post-qualification experience (PQE) focused heavily on commercial litigation. • Background: Trained within a top-tier national firm, a recognised boutique, or returning from a prominent firm overseas. • Skills: Exceptional advocacy, legal drafting, and analytical skills. You are someone who can quickly translate complex legal issues into decisive, actionable strategy. • Leadership: Proven ability to manage files independently, interface directly with institutional clients, and demonstrate the leadership qualities essential for future partnership. To attract top-tier talent, the firm offers a comprehensive benefits package and flexible working arrangements. Sign-on bonuses and relocation assistance are also available for qualified candidates. Ready for a private & confidential chat? Contact Lisa Gray 09 973 5470 or email me on lgray@tylerwren.co.nz If you recommend a friend or colleague whom we successfully place in a new role, we’ll say thanks with a referral voucher. It’s that simple. Get the details here: https://tylerwren.co.nz/refer-a-friend/ Why partner with Tyler Wren? • A Decade of Expertise: 10+ years specialising in the legal recruitment landscape. • Global Reach: Whether it’s NZ, Australia, the UK, or Ireland, we have expert recruiters on the ground to guide you. • Hidden Gems: Many of our placements are exclusive and never hit the public job boards. • End-to-End Support: From career coaching to managing the final offer, we’ve got you covered. [Download our latest Salary Guide] to see where you sit in the market.