lawyer

The short version

We are a growing Christchurch firm doing high-quality legal work without the layers, politics or pigeonholing of a large practice. We are looking for an experienced commercial lawyer — equally at home structuring finance, running a business sale, negotiating a lease, and stepping back to oversee a property team.

Why this role is different

We build the role around the person. Depending on where you are in your career — an established senior commercial lawyer or associate, or a strong practitioner ready to step up — together we will shape the title, responsibilities, progression and package to match. You get direct access to decision-makers, real ownership of your work, and a genuine say in how the firm is run.

What you would be doing

• Advising on financing — acting for borrowers and lenders, and structuring and documenting facilities, security and related arrangements.
• Running business sales and purchases from first instructions to completion, including due diligence, negotiation and documentation.
• Handling commercial and retail leasing — negotiating, drafting and advising landlords and tenants.
• Overseeing and supporting our property team as the senior point of reference on more complex conveyancing and property matters.
• Applying your commercial and negotiation skills flexibly across a wide range of legal work.
• Acting as a trusted point of contact for clients, banks, agents and other advisers.

Any private-client, trusts or asset-planning experience is a welcome bonus.

What we are looking for

• A strong track record across financing, business sales and purchases, and leasing.
• The judgement and capability to lead negotiations and as a senior resource for less experienced staff.
• Commercial sense and the ability to give advice clients can act on.
• Ambition, initiative and a collaborative approach to help grow the firm.
• Comfort with technology and good systems; experience with LEAP or similar is a plus.

What you get in return

• A great remuneration package reflecting your skill, seniority and ambition.
• Real autonomy over your work, and a leadership dimension in shaping and supporting the property team.
• Varied, genuinely interesting work with the breadth to keep stretching you.
• The chance to help shape — and share in — the success of a growing firm.
• A close-knit, supportive team to back you when a matter gets tricky.

Interested?

Send your CV and a short note about your commercial experience and what good client service means to you to Simon Ford at [email protected].