Legal Counsel

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Legal and Risk, you will play a vital role in providing expert guidance and advice to Council Members, the Executive Leadership Team, and staff. Your support on legal, strategic, commercial, and risk matters will be key to helping the Council achieve its strategic objectives.

You will be supported in your own growth and have your ideas valued and championed. The team work hard but genuinely have fun while doing it.

• Provide expert legal support across commercial, property, regulatory, and compliance matters
• Ensure adherence to local government regulations and manage investigations or disputes
• Identify, mitigate, and manage risks to safeguard Council operations
• Develop effective partnerships with stakeholders and guide staff on legal matters
• Contribute to strategic planning, reporting, and maintaining legal standards
• Provide legal education and mentoring to staff, enhancing organisational capability

About you :

You are legal professional with 3 to 7 years' experience in a similar environment, including expertise across commercial, property and / or regulatory matters. With a Bachelor of Laws and current admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, you bring a track record of providing sound, strategic advice in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Your ability to work independently and with others on diverse legal matters, coupled with your proficiency in drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts, ensures you excel in delivering practical, tailored solutions.

Passionate about contributing to a positive team culture, you enjoy working with others and celebrating their achievements. You are ready to lead by example, delivering high-quality outcomes that align with organisational goals and values.

What we're really looking for is the right person with the drive and ability to deliver great legal service so if you don't tick all the boxes, please do still apply.

What we can offer :

About us :

Selwyn is one of the fastest-growing districts in New Zealand. We have a fantastic quality of life, great communities, and a thriving economy. Our Council works actively with residents to provide the services and facilities that help our communities to thrive and grow.

Our head office is based in Rolleston (only 25km from Christchurch), which offers an enviable family lifestyle, outstanding local facilities and an easy drive to the ski fields, rivers and hills that make up Canterbury's stunning landscape.

Our values are important to us and represent the way we work :

We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and we are committed to working with our Treaty partner to deliver on our obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.