Senior Legal Counsel

The opportunity | He angitūtanga

Are you an experienced legal professional with a passion for serving the community? Do you thrive in dynamic work environments and have a vision for making an impact within local government? If so, join Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Legal Services team and play a key role in supporting good decision‑making and delivering outcomes for our community.

Council’s Legal Services team are trusted advisors to the organisation, responsible for the provision of quality, cost-effective and timely legal advice and assistance. The team work across the organisation to foster a high-performance culture, accountability and to reinforce Council’s social license.

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide expert advice and guidance across a broad range of local government matters, including public and administrative law, commercial and procurement contracting, property, regulatory and enforcement, resource management, privacy and official information.

This role reports to the Manager Legal Operations and works closely with the General Counsel and other members of the Legal Services team. You will support major projects and complex matters, assist with managing legal risk, and contribute to the effective operation and continuous improvement of the in house legal function.

You will be comfortable engaging with senior leaders, providing clear and defensible advice, and supporting Council managers to navigate legal, commercial and risk considerations in a public sector context. From time to time, you may also provide advice to the Mayor and Elected Members.

You will be a confident, pragmatic senior lawyer with a growth mindset, excellent judgment and a collaborative working style. You will build effective relationships, be customer-orientated and committed to high quality outcomes.

About you | He kōrero mōu

To excel in this role, you will have a current legal practicing certificate for New Zealand and relevant legal qualifications.
You’ll also bring strong knowledge of and experience in:

• Demonstrated senior-level knowledge and experience providing legal advice and assistance across a range of issues relevant to local government (6+ years PQE desirable).
• Demonstrated experience providing strategic commercial and contracting advice, including drafting and negotiating complex or high value contracts and supporting procurement processes
• Strong understanding of local government risk, governance and accountability
• Ability to succeed in dynamic work environment and to manage competing priorities.
• Demonstrated high level of discretion and diplomacy with ability to maintain strict confidence on any Council matter of a sensitive nature.
• Understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Te Ao Maori perspectives, and Council’s obligations to mana whenua, with the ability to apply this in practice, particularly where this relates to Council’s partnership with mana whenua.

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Enquiries about this position should be directed to Te-Aroha Jennings, Manager Legal Services on 04 296 4713 or free phone 0800 486 486.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

When you join Kāpiti Coast District Council you’ll enjoy a range of fantastic benefits, including:

• Dependant leave – because family matters.
• Thriving team culture – we work hard and support each other.
• Free access to pools – dive into fun.
• Council staff discounts – because who doesn’t love a good deal?

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono

Applications close Monday 8 June at midday so get yours in now!
You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Please note preferred candidates are required to undergo pre-employment checks including drug and alcohol screening and Police checks.