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.

Our current vacancies are listed below. However, if we have no listings presently, it doesn’t mean our doors are closed.

We are interested in hearing from experienced practitioners who may be looking to move to the Waikato, or move firms. Contact our General Manager by email to arrange a confidential chat: [email protected]

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]

SUMMER CLERKS 2022/2023

Applications have now closed. Our next intake will be in April 2023 for the Summer of 2023/24.

"In 2021 I had the privilege of being a Summer Clerk at NWM, in the Family Disputes Team. My work was family law focused, such as drafting Court documents, writing letters to clients, and completing research into various legal issues. I learned practical skills that can't be found in any lecture theatre. This whole learning experience wouldn't have been so enjoyable without the amazing culture of NWM. My team were encouraging, happy to answer questions and sit down with me to explain things. I took every chance to learn something new. After the summer period ended, I was offered a part-time permanent role as a Law Clerk, while I finish my law degree. I am thrilled to be in such a great team and firm."

Patricia Alcartado, Law Clerk, Family Disputes Team.
Studying at the University of Waikato

"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, Solicitor, Private Client Team.
LLB - University of Waikato

"I was a Summer Clerk in the Corporate Commercial Team and the Commercial Disputes & Employment Team during 2020/2021. It was a major learning curve, being introduced to the practical side of law. I did research, read contracts, and helped on client files. An internship gives you such a head-start on your career. NWM made the transition from study to work so easy, and I'm privileged to be part of such a great firm."

Conan Brolly, Solicitor, Corporate Commercial 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, 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, 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, Senior Solicitor, 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.