Senior Associate - Litigation

Are you a creative strategist? Do you thrive when managing challenging, sophisticated clients - c-suite leaders, industry pioneers, and business experts who don't just want black-letter law, but commercial solutions? Can you build instant authority, answer their toughest questions with sharp business sense, and generate deep trust from the very first interaction? If you're looking to step away from rigid, legacy law firm structures and take real ownership of high-stakes disputes while shaping your own career trajectory, this role with my client is your next move. The Role: Take the Lead. The Partners are focused on driving practice growth and key fee-generation. They need a solid, dependable member of the Senior Leadership Team to take total ownership of litigation strategy and file management. In this role, you won’t just be running cases; you’ll be the operational engine and strategic mind behind their litigation practice. What You’ll Be Doing: • Litigation Strategy & Execution: Lead complex, high-value commercial disputes from strategic inception through to trial, arbitration, or resolution. • Leadership & Mentorship: Manage, guide, and develop a tight-knit team of sharp junior lawyers who already have an outstanding foundational training from the Partners. • High-Level Client Ownership: Direct interaction with sophisticated corporate clients and business leaders who expect agility, commercial pragmatism, and decisive action. • Scope of Practice: Handle a rich, varied caseload across complex commercial & corporate litigation, shareholder disputes, insolvency & restructuring, cross-border claims, high-value property disputes, and regulatory investigations. Uncapped Value: True Remuneration Flexibility Unlike traditional law firms locked into rigid salary bands, my client is not bound by fixed pay brackets. They believe in directly recognising and rewarding top talent. You have the freedom to negotiate a package that truly reflects your market value and expertise with the understanding that high remuneration comes with the autonomy, accountability, and high-level performance to match. If you deliver exceptional results, your compensation will reflect it. The Pathway: Partner OR Special Counsel - The Journey is Yours My client doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all career trajectory. Whether your ultimate ambition is Partnership or you prefer the strategic focus of a Special Counsel path, their firm provides the platform, transparent metrics, and backing to get you there. You define what success looks like, and they will support the journey. What You Bring: • 5+ Years PQE in commercial litigation within a respected law firm. • Commercial Gravitas: The ability to simplify complex legal problems for business decision-makers and command immediate confidence. • Creative Problem-Solving: An "out-of-the-box" tactical mindset—finding commercial resolutions where others only see roadblocks. • Leadership Drive: A genuine passion for mentoring junior lawyers, elevating file quality, and fostering an energetic, high-performing team culture. Why Join Their Practice? • Unbounded Earning Potential: Negotiate a salary based on the true value you bring, not arbitrary corporate grid structures. • A Modern Culture: Work in a progressive environment that values agility, client satisfaction, and performance over traditional firm bureaucracy. • High-Calibre Work without the Glass Ceiling: Run premier disputes alongside industry-leading partners while enjoying clear headroom to grow. • Complete Confidentiality: We understand the sensitivity of making a career move at this level. Confidential Enquiries & Next Steps: If you are ready to take full ownership of litigation strategy, lead a talented junior team, and drive your career forward on your terms, I would love to connect with you. For a strictly private & confidential discussion, please reach out directly: • Contact Name: Lisa Gray • Phone: 09 973 5470 • Email: 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.