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Legal Adviser - Commerce Commission - Auckland or Wellington

Legal Adviser

Ko mātou tēnei | Who we are

Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | The Commerce Commission is New Zealand’s competition, fair trading, consumer credit and economic regulatory agency. Our mission is to make New Zealanders better off by ensuring our markets work well and consumers and businesses are confident participants in those markets.

With our areas of responsibility continuing to expand, our in-house legal team, which is one of the largest in the country, takes a collaborative, cross-functional approach to the delivery of legal services.

 

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As a Legal Adviser at the Commission, you will be part of an expert Legal Services team with an impressive record of enforcement outcomes and defended appeals. Under the guidance and mentoring of senior colleagues, you will work on strategically significant and complex projects. You will be carrying out legal research and analysis as well as assisting with the drafting and presentation of legal opinions and advice.

There is a wide range of legal work on offer at the Commission. Our legal teams provide support and advice to all areas of their respective branches, specifically on:

Competition – the Commerce Act 1986, which has the purpose of promoting competition in markets for the long-term benefit of consumers within New Zealand. The Commerce Act prohibits restrictive trade practices, abuses of market power (new regime in effect from April 2023) and cartels, and gives the Commission powers to clear and authorise certain conduct (including mergers) and conduct market studies.

Credit – the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (and Fair Trading Act 1986 where applicable), which protects New Zealand consumers when they borrow money or buy goods on credit.

Fair Trading – the Fair Trading Act 1986, which prohibits unfair conduct and practices in relation to trade, including misleading and deceptive conduct and false representations, and promotes product safety.

Infrastructure Regulation – The regulation of water services, electricity and gas networks, fibre networks, and airports, with a focus on rule setting, market monitoring, and compliance and enforcement.

Market Regulation – The regulation of telecommunications, fuel, dairy, groceries and the retail payment system, with a focus on rule setting, market monitoring, and compliance and enforcement.

 

In the Competition, Credit or Fair Trading teams you may be supporting senior colleagues that are project managing selected litigation projects, including advising on litigation strategy, providing instruction to external legal counsel, drafting and reviewing Court documents and ensuring the Commission behaves as a model litigant. While in the Infrastructure Regulation and Market Regulation teams you may be supporting senior colleagues to deliver key regulatory decisions for sectors that are vital to the New Zealand economy, advising on administrative law issues and drafting secondary legislation.

This is a permanent role that may be based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).

 

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

  • An undergraduate degree in law with a sound academic transcript
  • 1 to 2 years’ Post Qualification Experience
  • Interest in competition, fair trading or consumer credit law,, public law and/or litigation
  • Strong problem solving, research and analytical skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Above all, we are seeking smart and curious lawyers who have a keen interest in working on important fair trading, competition and regulatory issues and who are committed to public service and making life better for New Zealanders.

 

Te wāhi mahi | Working here

We’re friendly and collaborative and enjoy contributing to our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off. Career growth and development is not only supported and encouraged, it’s a part of everyday life here. We also offer a range of benefits to show that we’ll value your mahi, including generous leave entitlements, study support, a range of wellness initiatives and competitive remuneration.

We are committed to our people’s wellbeing. Any support needed is freely given, providing the opportunity for everyone to thrive. Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen. We even offer a contribution to working from home set up costs. Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.

 

Ka pēhea te tono mai | How to apply

For more information, contact Chris Stewart on 021 539 043 or Ruth Hara on 021 483 490 or visit https://comcom.govt.nz/about-us/careers/current-vacancies to obtain the position description.

 

To apply, email your covering letter and CV to [email protected] by the closing date of Sunday, 27 August 2023

 

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

 

Our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and free from bias and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user friendly for them. We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply – you can be yourself here.