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.
LITIGATION LAWYER - ASSOCIATE
Norris Ward McKinnon is a well-established specialist firm located in the Hamilton CBD. We have an opportunity in our Commercial Disputes & Employment team for a senior litigation lawyer with a minimum of five years’ relevant experience.
The role
You will be working closely with Jesse Savage, Partner, and senior members of the team, 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 5 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.
What we’re offering
Remuneration Package
- Competitive salary and benefits, Wellness programme, medical insurance, car parking
- Progression opportunities, leadership skills development, mentoring
Collaborative firm environment:
- Access to commercial, corporate, property, tax, and family law experts from specialist teams
- Regular forums to connect with your peers; outstanding firm culture.
Resources
- Investment in your legal training and development
- Investment in your professional skills and growth as a leader
- As a member of NZ Law, the opportunity to attend superb legal conferences and enjoy collegial relationships with member firms, enabling successful cross-referrals and support
Career development:
- Strong mentoring from Partners and senior staff
- Rapid exposure to business clients the team advises on a regular basis
- Encouragement to build a strong network of internal and external key contacts to support your future legal practice
- Clear career options which are raised up-front
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 are now open.
Email [email protected] and attach:
- Current CV
- Cover Letter (indicate your preferred specialist team)
- Current academic transcript
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.