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.

Legal Assistant - Property Team

Norris Ward McKinnon is a modern, full-service law firm located in Hamilton CBD. We provide legal services to a broad range of clients primarily in the Waikato, and across New Zealand. We have a fantastic opportunity for a Legal Assistant to make a difference in our Property team.

The role

You will be supporting a busy team of lawyers and legal executives in our Property team which has a strong focus on residential and commercial property transactions. Areas of responsibility include client onboarding, invoicing and supporting lawyers in the team with legal documents and administration. There is a strong component of working with financial documents and within our trust account. Full system training will be provided.

Key responsibilities

Preparing legal documents using precedents and templates, including documents for property settlements
Maintaining client files and review dates within our legal database
Onboarding clients and managing the administration of matters through to completion
Liaising with clients, real estate agents, banks and agencies
Preparing financial statements and invoices
Organising client meetings

You’ll need to demonstrate success managing financial transactions under time pressure and show excellent attention to detail. The ability to be calm under pressure will be valuable in this role.

The ideal candidate will have:

Experience in a professional legal services environment with technical skills in most or all of these areas:

MS365 software skills, particularly Excel
Preparation of legal and financial documents
Experience using client database systems - we use Actionstep and NetDocuments
Understanding of trust account transactions
Impressive client service skills and a willingness to help
Strong attention to detail
Strong problem-solving skills and self-initiative
Exposure to a professional services industry will be an advantage

You need to be eligible to work in New Zealand to fill this role, and on a full-time basis.

NWM has an enviable workplace culture, with genuine attention on wellbeing and progression. We work in modern open-plan offices, with strong collaboration and collegiality.

For more information, or to apply, please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Summer Clerks - Applications open

Our Summer Clerk programme is aimed at final year law students, and runs for approximately 12 weeks, starting in early November and ending in late February.

Based in our Hamilton office, we have placements for these teams in 2026/2027:

Commercial Disputes & Employment
Family Disputes
Property
Private Client (3rd and 4th year students may apply)

During this time you will gain exposure to a variety of legal work. You'll work alongside our lawyers and legal executives to understand how our teams respond 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.

We are now taking applications for the summer of 2026/27.

Email [email protected] and attach:

- Current CV

- Cover Letter (please indicate your preferred team)

- Current academic transcript

Applications close 24 April. Interviews will be held in early May. Offers will be confirmed in May.

Graduate Lawyer - Litigation

We have an opportunity in our Commercial Disputes & Employment team for a litigation lawyer with relevant experience.

The role

You will be working closely with Sam Hood and Sara Cameron, Partners; and senior members of the team, highly experienced litigators and employment lawyers actively involved in the legal and business community in Hamilton.

Day-to-day you’ll be involved in a range of complex dispute matters spanning contracts and agreements, insolvency, construction, resource management, equine and farming. You’ll work with a diverse range of clients, including corporates, business owners, trusts, and individuals –highly engaging and challenging work.

You’ll be part of a cohesive, collaborative team where everyone’s input is recognised, where your home and work commitments are valued and flexible work practices offered. Tech savvy, you’ll be working with advanced legal technology in modern open plan offices.

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]

Graduate Lawyer - Employment

We have an opportunity in our Commercial Disputes & Employment team for an experienced employment lawyer with scope to expand into civil litigation, public law or alcohol licensing. We’re looking for either a graduate, or someone with 2 – 3 years’ experience who thrives in a collaborative team environment with a balance of autonomy and mentoring.

The role

You will be working closely with Sam Hood, Managing Partner; and senior members of the team, highly experienced employment lawyers and litigators actively involved in the legal and business community in Hamilton.

Day-to-day you’ll be involved in a range of employment matters spanning contracts and agreements, mediation, grievances, restructuring, restraint of trade, minimum entitlements, and a broad range of employment law advice to employers and employees.

There is the opportunity to also work on dispute matters including contracts, insolvency, construction, resource management and alcohol licensing. We act for a diverse range of clients, including corporates, business owners, trusts, and individuals –highly engaging and challenging work.

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]

Graduate or Solicitor - Commercial Corporate

We have an opportunity in our Commercial Corporate team for a lawyer with experience or a recent graduate willing to learn.

The role

You will be working closely with Chris Steentra, Partner and Team Leader, along with team Partners and senior members of the team, all highly experienced commercial lawyers actively involved in the legal and business community in Hamilton.

Day-to-day you’ll be involved in a range of matters spanning commercial contracts and agreements, preparing and negotiating terms of trade, service agreements, IP licensing, shareholder agreements and constitutions. Other areas of work include transactions (business, shares and financing), structuring and general advisory work.

We have a strong team culture based on collaboration and growth for both the team and you as an individual. We 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.

If you believe our firm and this opportunity is the right fit for you, please email your full CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Senior Solicitor - Private Client

We’re looking for someone with exposure to 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.

You will be working closely with the Partner and Senior Associate in the team, and with our experienced solicitors and legal executives. We need someone who is well versed in current trust legislation who has an ability to work with clients to develop a comprehensive asset protection and succession plan. As well as developing your own client base, you’ll be involved in mentoring the team’s junior lawyers. You’ll also be involved in the team’s strategies for marketing and business development.

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.

If you believe our firm and this opportunity is the right fit for you, contact our General Manager Carmen Simmonds by email [email protected]

"I joined the Commercial Corporate team as a Summer Clerk in November 2023. I worked across a range of matters including corporate governance, commercial contracts, and intellectual property. The mentorship has been second-to-none and is a testament to the firm's people focus. NWM has made my transition into the legal profession a positive one and I can't wait to see where my time here takes me."

Jordana Bliggenstorfer, Solicitor, Commercial Corporate Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"I joined the Property team over the 2024/2025 summer. It was an excellent introduction to real-world legal practice and provided valuable insight into day-to-day work in property law. I was undertaking legal research, working on commercial leasing matters, and involved in property transactions. I also had the opportunity to meet clients and see matters progress in practice. The team was extremely approachable which made the experience both engaging and rewarding. I was offered a full-time role following the clerkship and I am excited to continue developing my skills and growing my career at NWM."

Joshua Vijendran, Solicitor, Property Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"I joined the Commercial Disputes & Employment team in 2024, as my first practising role. I was immediately immersed in practical aspects - drafting letters, completing research, helping with court documents, and meeting clients. I am fully supported by the team and encouraged to ask questions. The level of support, guidance, mentoring and feedback has been incredible. I'm excited to start my career at NWM and look forward to my future here."

Chenade Beardsall, Solicitor, Commercial Disputes & Employment Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"Over the summer of 2024/2025 I summer clerked in the commercial corporate team. I was involved in transactional matters, intellectual property, and general commercial research. It was a great opportunity to see how the theory from university translates into practice, and I was able to contribute meaningfully from early on. I was well supported by the team throughout and gained far more practical knowledge than I anticipated. It was a genuinely valuable experience and a great introduction to commercial and corporate law."

Navi Rai, Solicitor, Commercial Corporate Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"In 2023, while still studying, I joined the family disputes team as a law clerk. From the beginning, I was tasked with hands-on work, which included research, drafting court documents and submissions, and interacting with clients. I also attended court and observed proceedings firsthand. Throughout my time as a clerk, I was genuinely supported and mentored by senior members of the team. I was offered a solicitor role upon graduating and am proud to still be a member of the team. I could not recommend the clerking experience
more highly."

Harrison Thien, Solicitor, Family Disuptes Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"I joined the Commercial Disputes & Employment team in 2023 and every day since has been rewarding. NWM provides exceptional training and mentorship, a friendly environment, and is focussed on growing its young lawyers. NWM supported my 3 month secondment to Rarotonga, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. I am grateful to work at NWM and encourage future lawyers to consider NWM for their careers."

Moira Gray, Senior Solicitor
Commercial Disputes & Employment team
LLB, BA - Victoria University

"I started at NWM as a Summer Clerk in late 2020, in the Private Client team. I'm now a Solicitor in the team and appreciate the opportunities the firm has given me. NWM is a great environment for a junior lawyer to learn and develop in. My team is supportive, and the senior members are incredible mentors with so much knowledge and expertise, which they're willing to share with me. I'm excited for my future here at NWM."

Emma O'Keeffe, Solicitor, Private Client Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"I was lucky enough to work as a Summer Clerk in NWM's Private Client team during 2020/2021. I spent half of my time in the property team, and half in the trust and estate team. I learned a variety of skills, such as drafting Wills and estate documents, property transactions, and interacting with clients. The work I was exposed to far exceeded my expectations. My team and the wider firm were extremely helpful and always available to help me. At the end of the Summer I was offered a full-time role in the Private Client team. Every day I'm learning something new, and can't think of a better place to work and learn new skills."

Cameron Blue, Senior Solicitor, Property Team.
LLB - University of Waikato

"Over the summer of 202/2021 I had the opportunity to be a Summer Clerk across two teams. I did hands-on work in a range of areas including employment, civil disputes, privacy and contracts. I helped assess compliance with the law, drafted Court documents, provided research, and interacted with clients. I was encouraged and supported by my teams and learned far more than I expected to. I was offered a full-time role and am stoked to be working with such a great group of lawyers."

Levi Harris, Senior Solicitor, Commercial Disputes & Employment
LLB - University of Waikato

"I had the opportunity to summer clerk at Norris Ward McKinnon for 2025/2026 in the Commercial Disputes and Employment team. It gave me everything I was hoping for in a clerkship – hands-on work, a friendly and collaborative team, and a learning environment that genuinely challenged and developed my legal thinking. I was exposed to plenty of interesting, real-world matters from the outset and felt heavily involved in everything I did. The team are warm and approachable at every level, which made it easy to ask questions, get stuck in, and make the most of the experience."

Jack Macklow, Law Clerk, Commercial Disputes Team
Victoria University

"Over the summer of 2025/2026 I clerked in the Private Client team. I was involved in estate planning and administration, and the establishment of Trusts. I reviewed client matters, assisted in drafting legal documents and attended client meetings. From my first day, I felt welcome and supported by the team at NWM. I was able to deepen my legal knowledge and develop practical skills I had not previously been exposed to. I am currently working part-time in the team, and I continue to learn and grow each day in the role."

Olivia Kjestrup-Traue, Law Clerk, Private Client Team.
Studying at The University of Waikato

"In 2025/2026 I was a Summer Law Clerk in the Private Client Team at Norris Ward McKinnon. I received hands-on training and developed skills that have helped me to grow professionally. I had the opportunity to draft documents and interact with clients. This has allowed me to see the practical effect of my work which has been incredibly rewarding. I was offered a full-time role and am grateful and excited to continue working with an amazing group of lawyers."

Danielle Bowler, Law Clerk, Private Client Team
Studying at The University of Waikato

“I had a fantastic clerkship experience over the summer of 2025/2026. The family team gave me many opportunities, and I enjoyed doing hands on work in a range of family matters. This work ranged from research through to drafting legal documents. I was encouraged and supported by my team throughout. I have been offered a permanent part-time role while I complete my studies. I look forward to continuing to work in the family team with such an experienced group of lawyers.”

Khushman Khakh, Law Clerk, Family Disputes Team
Studying at The University of Waikato

"In 2024/2025 I was a Summer Clerk in the Private Client team. I was attended client meetings alongside solicitors and senior staff. I helped prepare documents, and with legal research, which was a great way to learn practical skills and gain active experience. The team were very supportive and always made me feel comfortable with any questions I had. I am now working part-time at the firm while I finish my final year of University."

Maia Fenwick, Law Clerk, Private Client Team.
Graduate, The University of Waikato

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.