Senior Associate, Environment and Planning (6+ PQE)

Auckland | Wellington

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

About the role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Associate in our Environment and Planning team, based in Auckland or Wellington.

Our Environment and Planning practice provides expertise in all aspects of resource management and environmental law, advising clients on water and transport infrastructure projects, district and regional plan development, heritage regulation and urban renewal.

Led by Nicky McIndoe, Christina Sheard and Ezekiel Hudspith, this practice works alongside a wide variety of clients, in both the public and private sectors. We advise:

• National and local government agencies, particularly with large infrastructure projects such as the Transmission Gully Motorway and new electricity transmission infrastructure, and on law reform.
• A wide range of industrial, commercial, residential and government clients, including Airbnb and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, guiding them through consenting processes, the resolution of any appeals and on issues of compliance.
• On complex three waters infrastructure and freshwater management, collaborating with local and national clients to deliver on key initiatives to improve outcomes for communities.

About you:

You may currently be a Senior Associate, or a talented mid-level lawyer ready to step up.

Your experience/interest will include:

• 6+ years’ experience working in resource management, planning and environmental law.
• A desire to work collaboratively within the national environment and planning team.
• You will enjoy ownership of matters, working closely with partners and clients, and mentoring junior team members.
• The drive to deliver exceptional results for clients and deliver on the Firm’s client service commitments.

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.

• 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 recognize 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
•  Access to free in-house legal advice

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 Environment and Planning Team, check out https://www.dentons.co.nz/en/industries-and-practices/practices/environment-and-natural-resources

To apply, please submit your CV, and cover letter. For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Kayley Hamlyn at kayley.hamlyn@dentons.com) or +64 4 915 0826.