Graduate Solicitor – 2027

Graduate Solicitors – 2027 | Multiple Opportunities

Start your legal career with one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading law firms.

Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for multiple Graduate Solicitor positions commencing in late February 2027.

With more than 60 people across our Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa offices, we’re looking for graduates to join different teams across the firm and gain experience across a range of practice areas.

If you’re looking for genuine mentoring, early responsibility and the opportunity to build a long-term legal career in Hawke’s Bay, we’d love to hear from you.

About the opportunity

Starting your career at Gifford Devine means becoming part of an established Hawke’s Bay firm while having the opportunity to learn directly from experienced lawyers and partners.

You’ll gain exposure to a broad range of clients and legal matters, while developing the practical skills, judgement and relationships that will form the foundations of your career.

From early on, we want our graduates to be involved. You’ll have opportunities to work alongside senior lawyers, interact with clients and progressively take on greater responsibility as your experience and confidence develop.

As part of your graduate programme, we’ll also support you through your Professional Legal Studies Course (PROFS) if you haven’t already completed it.

What you can expect

• Genuine mentoring and support from experienced lawyers and partners
• Early exposure to meaningful legal work and client matters
• Opportunities across a range of teams and practice areas
• Practical experience that goes beyond simply observing
• Support to complete PROFS, if required
• A collaborative and supportive team environment
• Opportunities to develop your career across our four Hawke’s Bay offices
• The chance to build a long-term legal career while enjoying everything Hawke’s Bay has to offer

About you

We’re interested in hearing from graduates who:

• Have completed, or are completing, an LLB
• Have excellent communication skills
• Are motivated, curious and keen to learn
• Enjoy working with people and being part of a team
• Are ready to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities available to them
• Have a connection to Hawke’s Bay or are genuinely interested in building their career and life in the region

While academic achievement is important, we’re also looking for people who will contribute to our firm and our culture. We value people who are personable, practical, enthusiastic and interested in developing strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.

About Gifford Devine

Gifford Devine is one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading law firms, with a team of more than 60 people across Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa.

We work with individuals, families, businesses and organisations throughout Hawke’s Bay and beyond, providing our people with exposure to a diverse range of clients and legal work.

We’re proud of our history in the region, but equally focused on the future, investing in our people, technology and the continued growth of our teams across Hawke’s Bay.

For graduates, that means joining a firm where you can learn from experienced people, get involved early and see a genuine pathway to develop your career.

Ready to start your legal career?

To apply, please provide:

• A cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in Gifford Devine
• Your CV
• Your academic transcript

Please send your application to [email protected].

Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026.

If you’re looking for a place where you can learn, contribute and build a career from day one, we’d love to hear from you.