Junior/Intermediate Lawyer

About Us

Phoenix Law is a specialist New Zealand law firm with a strong focus on human rights, public and constitutional law, Treaty of Waitangi and Indigenous rights, environmental and natural resources law, and complex civil and commercial litigation.

Our work sits at the intersection of law, human rights, public policy and commercial outcomes. We act for individuals, whānau, communities, organisations and businesses in matters that are often complex, significant and capable of having consequences beyond the immediate dispute.

We are building a leading national human-rights and public-law practice: one that combines intellectual rigour, strategic litigation, strong advocacy and a commitment to access to justice. Our lawyers are encouraged to engage deeply with difficult legal and policy questions, while remaining practical, commercially aware and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Phoenix Law is purpose-driven, but also performance-focused. We aim to develop excellent lawyers, undertake work of genuine significance, and build a substantial and enduring specialist practice with the capability to contribute to the development of law and public policy in New Zealand.

The Role

We are looking for 2-3 Junior to Intermediate Lawyers, to join our Wellington team of lawyers.

This is a hands-on role where you will be involved in:

• Litigation strategy and case preparation;
• Drafting submissions and legal opinions;
• Court processes and client engagement; and
• Supporting senior and intermediate lawyers on complex matters.

You will gain early responsibility and exposure to meaningful work from day one.

Practice Areas

You will work across a diverse range of matters, including:

• Treaty of Waitangi (including settlement negotiations);
• Environmental and resource management law;
• Commercial law;
• Public, constitutional, and local government law;
• Human rights, marine, and international law; and
• Family law and related proceedings.

About You

We are seeking candidates who have:

• Completed professionals;
• Been admitted to the Bar and holding a Practicing Certificate (preferred, but not essential for the right person);
• Strong academic results with a minimum average grade throughout your law degree of B+;
• Sound legal reasoning ability;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• High attention to detail and professional standards;
• A strong work ethic;
• Respectfulness and a willingness to learn; and
• The ability to work both independently and in a team.

We are looking for someone who has a passion for indigenous legal issues and development, constitutional, public & international law, and will contribute positively to a focused, respectful, and high-performing team.

What We Offer

• High-quality, interesting litigation work;
• Early responsibility and real client exposure;
• Supportive, close-knit team environment;
• Competitive salary (upper market range) + paid overtime;
• Head Office working in Wellington; and
• Strong development pathway.

Your application should also address these questions:

• Are you legally entitled to work in New Zealand?
• Have you been admitted to the NZ bar?
• How many years of experience and what type of experience do you have as a lawyer?
• Do you have a full driver's license?
• Do you need to relocate for this role?

For emerging lawyers, this provides an opportunity to learn within a practice where legal work is not viewed simply as a series of files, but as an opportunity to develop professional excellence while contributing to matters that can make a meaningful difference to clients, communities and the law itself.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a copy of your academic transcript, CV and covering letter telling us about yourself and what you would bring to the role to the Practice Manager [email protected]