Legal Counsel
Job No:
ADC56
Location:
Ashburton
- Newly created role, within our in-house legal team
- Provide expert legal support across commercial, property and compliance matters
- Engage in meaningful collaboration with internal and external stakeholders
- Contribute to a culture of compliance and innovation while mitigating legal risks.
What the job involves
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team. This newly created role offers a unique opportunity to provide high-quality legal advice across a diverse range of council functions, including commercial, infrastructure, procurement, governance, property, and regulatory matters.
You’ll play a key role in supporting the organisation’s legal compliance, risk management, and strategic initiatives, while working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders, providing practical legal advice to Elected Members, the Executive Team and staff to help shape the future of our council operations.
For more information on this position, view the position description – Click here.
Who are we looking for?
You are a detail-oriented legal professional with strong analytical, written and communication skills. You are a forward-thinking team player who is willing to get involved in anything, including new and unfamiliar problems. You thrive in a dynamic environment and are committed to delivering high-quality, practical outcomes for internal clients and the community.
You’ll bring:
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a current NZ Law Society Practising Certificate
- 3+ years’ experience in commercial or local government law
- Expertise in public, construction, and corporate law
- Strong understanding of key legislation including the Local Government Act, Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act, Resource Management Act, and Privacy Act
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to provide pragmatic, solution-focused legal advice
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
What we can offer you
This position is guaranteed to provide you with a variety of work, based within a supportive team who are dedicated to the success of our organisation. Your career will grow through on the job and external training opportunities, plus our new building will provide a work environment that will be the envy of most.
Benefits of being part of our team include:
- Professional development opportunities
- Relevant Professional Memberships covered
- Flexible work options
- Health & wellbeing benefits
- Birthday leave and the ability to purchase additional leave
- Brand new Library and Civic Centre building in the heart of the CBD
- Supportive and inclusive work environment
For more benefits available, click here.
The salary band for this position goes from $92,000 per annum to $108,000 per annum based on a 40-hour week. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role.
We will consider applicants who are interested in working full-time or part-time hours.
A bit about us
The Ashburton District Council takes a whole of community view integrating social, cultural, environmental and economic wellbeing. With a compelling vision ‘Ashburton: the District of choice for lifestyle and opportunity’, the Council is committed to a significant infrastructure and maintenance work programme which included the recently completed library and civic centre Te Whare Whakatere.
Employing around 300 staff, the Council delivers excellent services to its 36,000 plus residents and visitors alike – ensuring the provision of quality local infrastructure, community services and regulatory functions for both current and future generations.
As part of the ADC team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that impact the well-being of our community, while working in a supportive and professional environment.
We don’t believe there should be any reason stopping you for applying for this role, but if you are still a bit hesitant why not watch our recruitment video to see what Ashburton District Council can offer you!
Applications close Monday, 28 July 2025. For a confidential chat about the role please phone Tania Paddock, General Counsel on +64 27 263 8063.
If this sounds like your ideal role, then we’d love to hear from you.