Current Vacancies
At NWM, a fantastic firm culture is one of our unique features. So much so, it's a strategic goal and priority. As a team member at NWM you'll feel valued and recognised for your contributions. You'll be trusted and given opportunities to develop. We'll share with you what it takes to progress here, as your success is important to us. We embrace creativity, innovative thinking, and collegiality and we value our people highly. It's just a great place to work!
We have a team-based environment with strong mentoring and role modelling. Our modern open-plan offices support the best use of technology to encourage efficiency. NWM people are all very approachable and willing to share their knowledge. Our Partners are leaders, specialists in their fields, and down to earth. At NWM you'll be one of a team of people who are engaged in their roles and really enjoy their work and surroundings.

SOLICITOR - FAMILY DISPUTES
Norris Ward McKinnon is a well-established specialist firm located in the Hamilton CBD. We have an opportunity for an experienced lawyer to join our Family Disputes team.
The role
You will be working closely with Partners and other team members, highly experienced family lawyers actively involved in the legal and business community. As a full-service family law team, you’ll be involved in a broad range of family matters including parenting; guardianship; family violence and protection orders; adoption; paternity; spousal maintenance; dissolution of marriage/civil union; relationship property agreements and disputes; contracting out agreements and protection of personal and property rights. You’ll develop your advocacy skills and have regular opportunities to attend Court. The learning and mentoring available from seniors in this team is exceptional.
You’ll be part of a collaborative team where everyone’s input is valued, where we recognise your home and work commitments and celebrate success. Tech savvy, you’ll be working with advanced legal technology in modern open plan offices.
As a successful applicant you will have:
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a family law practice in New Zealand
- A demonstrable commitment to client service
- Business development skills and an affinity for networking
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Excellent file management skills
- A growth mind-set, where you show a passion for continuous improvement in your practice of the law and the way in which you deliver client service.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly the ability to explain legal concepts in plain English.
Benefits of working at Norris Ward McKinnon
Robust team support:
- Partners and senior lawyers who are accessible and actively involved in mentoring
- Highly experienced support staff
Collaborative firm environment:
- Ability to bounce ideas off other people and have down-time with a fun, positive team
- Within our full service firm you’ll have access to property, litigation, tax, and business law experts from other specialist teams
- Regular forums to connect with your peers; open-plan layout to support communication on files; and a very active social club
- Strong links to our community and NWM initiatives that support local charities along with a culture of ‘giving back’
Resources
- Access to ongoing CPD courses (over and above Law Society requirements)
- Access to current legal resources and databases
- Modern Practice Management software
- As a member of NZ Law, we have access to superb legal conferences and enjoy collegial relationships with member firms, enabling successful cross-referrals and support
Career development:
- Strong mentoring from Partners and Associates
- Encouragement to build a strong network of internal and external key contacts to support your future legal practice
- Transparency around career progression criteria and support to help you succeed.
About Norris Ward McKinnon
Norris Ward McKinnon was founded in 1919 by Car Norris and Joe Ward. Since then we have grown to be one of the largest and most respected legal practices in the Waikato. Our success is driven by a focus on excellence, placing our clients first, promoting collaboration, and being dedicated to excellence within the legal sector.
We have a strong team culture and are committed to providing a supportive, family friendly environment. We recognise that our people are our greatest asset – and our culture and systems reflect this attitude.
To apply send your full CV and cover letter to [email protected]
SUMMER CLERKS 2023/2024
We run an annual Summer Clerk programme, aimed at final year law students, which runs for approximately 12 weeks, starting in early November and ending in late February each year.
Based in our Hamilton office, we offer placements in each of our specialist teams:
- Commercial Disputes & Employment
- Corporate & Commercial
- Family Disputes
- Private Client — Property
- Private Client — Trusts
During this period you will gain exposure to a variety of legal work. You'll work alongside our lawyers and legal executives to understand how the team responds to client queries, and assist with research, proofing, and drafting. You'll sit in on client meetings, help draft file notes, and be encouraged to form your own thoughts on legal issues. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your theoretical skills into practice, to understand the workings of a law firm, and to learn from the best.
Applications for 2023/24 have now closed.
ASSOCIATE — PRIVATE CLIENT TEAM
In this role you'll be working closely with the Partner and Senior Associate in the team, and with our experienced solicitors and legal executives.
We’re looking for someone with 5+ years experience in complex trust matters, for personal and business clients. The ideal person will be someone who enjoys the intersection and dynamics between Trust, Property, Estate, and Family law. We need someone who is well versed in current trust legislation, who has an ability to work with clients to develop comprehensive asset protection and succession plans. As well as developing your own client base, you’ll be involved in the day-to-day supervision and mentoring of the team’s junior lawyers. As part of the Private Client leadership team, you’ll have influence in the team’s strategies for marketing and business development.
As an Associate at NWM you’ll be part of a strong collegial team, and join the leadership development programme designed to progress our Associates through the firm.
If successful, you’ll be part of a cohesive, collaborative team where everyone’s input is valued and respected. We recognise and celebrate success. We also recognise the importance of your commitments outside of the office. Flexible working arrangements are a part of our firm’s culture and we encourage you to plan how your lifestyle and work practices will fit together so you have the best of both worlds.
If you believe our firm and this opportunity is the right fit for you, contact our General Manager, Carmen Simmonds, by emailing your full CV and cover letter to [email protected]
Associate Programme
We are extremely proud of our Associates, and the excellence they have demonstrated to earn their progression through the firm.
We have a formal programme to identify and develop solicitors to successfully reach the next step in their legal career. We assist them in expanding their legal and business skills, to contribute to the future direction of our firm.
Mentoring
We take great care to provide a mentor to assist with professional development and career management. This is typically a senior member of NWM or can be an external practitioner.
Our mentors are typically Associates and Partners who have a genuine interest in developing and working with our junior lawyers. Sometimes an external practitioner is involved in mentoring. As a new team member you'll be given a “buddy” to help you settle into the NWM way of life.
Career Path
We encourage the development of potential in all of our team members, legal and support staff. We provide transparency about a career path that will be fulfilling, as well as professionally and personally rewarding.
At Norris Ward McKinnon we realise how important career progression is to you and are dedicated to retaining and developing our top performers. We are open to progression options that are outside the traditional pathway of law firms, to give individuals the career development that suits them.
Talk to any of our Senior Solicitors and Associates and you'll be impressed with the leaps and bounds they have made in their careers while with us.