About the role
We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Manager Law Reform and Advocacy to lead the New Zealand Law Society’s law reform and advocacy function.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of New Zealand law, the administration of justice, and the rule of law while leading a specialist team of legal professionals and working closely with senior stakeholders across the legal sector. The role fulfils the Law Society’s statutory mandate to promote and assist law reform on behalf of the legal profession and in the public interest.
Our ideal applicant will have:
- A law degree and at least 7 years’ post-qualification legal experience gained in private practice, in-house, government, or public sector environments.
- A strong understanding of government, public policy development, law-making processes, and constitutional principles.
- Knowledge of the legal profession, justice sector, and the operation of the civil and criminal justice systems.
- Proven leadership experience, including building high-performing teams and successfully managing complex workloads and competing priorities.
- Exceptional relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting, reviewing, and presenting complex legal and policy material.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking capability, with sound judgement and a solutions-focused mindset.
- A commitment to cultural competency, inclusive leadership, and continuous learning.
We are looking for candidates who share our purpose of Kaitiaki of an exemplary legal professional in Aotearoa and understand how our values of Kaitiakitanga – tāria te wā, Manaakitanga and Pono underpin the work we do at New Zealand Law Society.
What we can offer
Become part of an exceptional team in a dynamic organisation, where the work is challenging and rewarding. We offer a cohesive workplace culture across our organisation with a number of social activities to come together across teams to connect and collaborate with colleagues. Your development and growth will be nurtured, and your work recognised and valued.
It is important that the Law Society can attract, support, and retain quality staff and one of the ways we can achieve this is by offering employees some flexibility to manage their work/life balance. We embrace flexible working to support our staff to deliver their best and achieve a good work-life balance and to connect and collaborate with others by providing a hybrid approach sharing your time between the office and home.
Other benefits of working at the Law Society include:
- Three days’ Special Leave to use during our annual close-down period between Christmas and the new year
- Discounts and benefits as part of our membership Partner Programme
- Competitive remuneration
Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and the Law Society is keen to ensure that appointments reflect Aotearoa New Zealand’s multicultural society. Applications from a diverse range of backgrounds are encouraged.
About the Law Society
The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is the professional body for barristers and solicitors in New Zealand. The Law Society regulates all lawyers practising in New Zealand and is the membership organisation for practising lawyers. With 13 branches throughout the country, the Law Society is the Kaitiaki (guardian) of the practice of law in Aotearoa New Zealand and the consumers of legal services.
How to apply
If you would like to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through Seek.
Applications close 5pm, Friday 17 July 2026
Shortlisting may occur whilst the advertisement is open, so we encourage you to make an early application.
For a confidential discussion and additional information, including the position description, please contact the People and Culture team at human.resources@lawsociety.org.nz
Applicants for this position must have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.
