Associate/Senior Associate - Major Projects and Construction

Dentons is a leading commercial law firm in New Zealand, and part of the world’s largest global law firm. 

We have the largest global reach of any firm in the New Zealand market with unparalleled access, not only to lawyers, but also to sector experts, training, talent support and business development opportunities across the globe.

This means the opportunities are endless for our people!

Our Construction & Major Projects Team

Our national Construction & Major Projects team is involved in the largest and most complex construction and infrastructure projects in New Zealand.

Led by Brendan Cash, Stuart Robertson, Paul Buetow, Katrina Van Houtte, and Sara Cheetham, our team are highly experienced lawyers who are recognised for their expertise in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

We advise clients at every stage of the project, from early procurement through to dispute resolution and litigation.

You will be assisting a wide range of clients including construction companies, principals, local authorities and Government agencies, to ensure their projects are set-up for success, delivered effectively and any disputes are resolved constructively.

In this role, we offer you the opportunity to be part of a positive and inclusive team that works in partnership with our clients and other teams locally and across the Dentons network.

We are open to candidates located in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

About you

We are looking an Associate and/or Senior Associate with private practice experience or relevant in-house experience to join our highly regarded team. You will have:

• The natural ability to work collaboratively in a high performing national team and a desire to build your career as a recognised construction lawyer

• An interest in working with a dynamic and fast paced industry and being involved in high profile projects that are transforming New Zealand for the future
• 5 years + post qualification experience in Construction law, or litigation and dispute resolution
• Either front end experience in drafting construction contracts and related agreements (e.g. consultancy agreements) and/or experience in construction disputes, (adjudication, arbitration, variations, delay, defects etc).

What do we offer?

At Dentons, we offer a competitive remuneration package along with benefits that will make a positive difference to your work/life balance.

• Access to free in-house legal advice
• We are a global business but locally run and operated, giving us the best of both worlds
• An extra paid holiday for Dentons Kensington Swan Day
• Lifestyle leave - we recognise that people have busy lives so there is the opportunity to buy extra leave each year
• Paid parental leave of 26 weeks/ 5 weeks for non-primary caregiver
• Regular social events, including Friday Fives, sporting and charity events, annual balls, family Christmas parties, and an end of year function
• Dedicated wellness programme including EAP support.

Dentons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an environment where everyone respects and supports each other. We believe inclusion drives diversity and want to foster an environment where our people thrive through diversity of thought and shared experience. We encourage applications irrespective of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. We are proud to be a Pride Pledge partner.

For more information about our Construction Team check out https://www.dentons.co.nz/en/industries-and-practices/industry-sectors/construction

To apply, please submit your CV, academic transcript and cover letter. 

Please note: our Firm has a Summer Shutdown period from close of business on Tuesday 23 December 2025, re-opening on Tuesday, 13 January 2026. Should you submit an application during this period, our team will endeavour to respond to your application when our offices re-open. 

For a confidential discussion about the role, or a copy of the position description, please contact Claire Wilkinson on claire.wilkinson@dentons.com