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.

SENIOR ASSOCIATE - LITIGATION

We have an opportunity in our Commercial Disputes & Employment team for a senior litigation lawyer with 7 - 10 years’ relevant experience.

The role

You will be working closely with Sam Hood, Managing Partner, and Robert Davies, Partner and Team Leader, along with senior members of the team, all highly experienced litigators and employment lawyers actively involved in the legal and business community in Hamilton. You can read more about the team here:

https://www.nwm.co.nz/commercial-disputes-and-employment

Day-to-day you’ll be involved in, and lead, 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 large corporates, business owners, trusts, and individuals – all highly engaging and challenging work. You will also take a lead role in mentoring and supervising junior lawyers in the team.

As a successful applicant you will have:

Minimum 7 years’ experience working in a commercial practice in New Zealand
Proven ability resolving complex disputes across a range of areas
Strong technical capability and ongoing interest in upskilling
A positive mentoring style and active interest in the success of junior lawyers
Business development skills and an affinity for networking
The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment

A growth mind-set, passion for continuous improvement in your practice of the law and the way in which you deliver client service.

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]

SUMMER CLERKS 2024/2025

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 offer placements in each of our specialist teams:

Commercial Disputes & Employment
Commercial Corporate
Family Disputes
Property
Private Client

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 2024/25 have closed. We will be taking applications in March 2025 for the summer of 2025/26.

Email [email protected] and attach:

- Current CV

- Cover Letter (indicate your preferred specialist team)

- Current academic transcript

"I joined the Corporate Commercial team in November 2022. In a short time I've been involved in mergers, share acquisitions, franchise agreements, insolvency and intellectual property. Straight away I was part of a vibrant and energetic team. NWM embraces the concept of 'bringing your whole self to work' and I couldn't agree with this more. Encouraging our outside interests is truly reflected in the firm's culture. I am beyond excited to see where my future takes me with the support of NWM."

Danielle Robinson, Solicitor, Commercial Corporate Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"In 2023 I joined the Commercial Disputes & Employment team and immediately gained hands-on experience beyond the lecture theatre. From the first week I was drafting letters and court documents as well as conducting research. I've since had the opportunity to attend hearings, arbitrations, and mediations. The NWM clerkship programme is invaluable as I complete my final year of studies and I'm excited to continue my legal career at NWM."

Madison Bradley, Law Clerk, Commercial Disputes & Employment Team
Studying at The University of Waikato

"I joined the Private Client team in June 2022 and was impressed with the culture of the firm. My team was very welcoming and continues to provide ongoing support and mentorship. In my time so far I've been immersed in a wide range of private client matters including drafting documents, legal research, and attending client meetings. I feel privileged to be part of the NWM team and am looking forward to my future here as a Solicitor"

Jasmine Muhlmann, Solicitor, Private Client 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

"I joined the Private Client team as a Summer Clerk in November 2022. I've had constant opportunities to develop my knowledge of trusts and estates. The culture at NWM is ideal for students and graduates. I'm impressed with the firm's approach to wellbeing and the support towards professional development and mental health. I recently accepted an offer of permanent employment here and am looking forward to my future at NWM."

Brieanna Marston, Solicitor, Private Client Team
LLB - University of Waikato

"I joined the Private Client team in November 2022 and the experience has been highly rewarding. The team and whole firm are supportive and friendly. I've been drafting legal documents, attending client meetings and researching challenging areas of law. I am immensely grateful for the clerkship, the people at NWM, and my future here."

Kainoa Hemi, Solicitor, Property 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 joined Norris Ward McKinnon while in my final year of study at the University of Waikato, and am immensely grateful that my introduction to the legal workplace has been overwhelmingly positive. The entire team has invested in my growth from student to solicitor, and have offered continued support and encouragement."

Hannah Espin, Senior Solicitor, Private Client Team.
LLB - University of Waikato

"Starting at Norris Ward McKinnon as a graduate in 2019 and then moving into a solicitor role, I can absolutely endorse Norris Ward McKinnon’s commitment to the training of lawyers. The support I have received from the firm has given me the confidence to represent my clients at the high level the firm sets and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity I have had."

Jamie Blackburn, Associate, Family Disputes Team.
LLB — University of Waikato

"I joined Norris Ward McKinnon in early 2021 after returning to Hamilton from stints in London and Wellington. I was immediately impressed by the firm's ambition and focus on promoting culture and wellbeing in the workplace. I am loving my time here and encourage anyone considering a change in career to reach out to NWM."

Simon Middlemiss, Associate, Commercial Disputes & Employment team.
LLB - 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.