Legal Counsel | Auckland

Are you a skilled legal professional looking to make a real impact on a growing organisation? Pattle Delamore Partners (PDP) is seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our corporate team in Auckland on a part time basis (20 – 24 hours per week). You’ll play a critical part in managing legal risks, ensuring compliance, and providing expert legal advice to support PDP’s strategic goals.

At PDP, we tackle environmental challenges across Aotearoa. We need a talented individual who can navigate complex legal matters across various business functions and contribute to our continued success. If you’re a practical and solutions-focused legal professional, this is the opportunity for you.

About the role

Reporting to the General Counsel, the Legal Counsel will work closely with senior leaders and various teams across the business, providing expert legal support to enable the business to win and deliver projects throughout Aotearoa. This role is key to ensuring PDP’s activities are commercially sound, legally compliant, and assist in mitigating risk to ensure the smooth operation of business functions.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Legal and Risk Advisory: Provide practical and clear legal advice to internal teams on a wide range of industry specific and commercial matters, including construction, property, finance, contracts, insurance, employment, and governance.

·       Contract Review, Drafting and Negotiations: Support the business in the review, drafting and negotiation of significant or complex contracts, ensuring all terms align with PDP’s legal and commercial objectives.

·       Contract Management: Track and manage a suite of contracts, ensuring agreements and client contracts are compliant, and contractual obligations are met.

·       Development and Management of Suite of Templates: Drafting, updating and management of suite of template and precedent documents.

·       External Relations: Represent PDP in discussions with client legal representatives or industry groups, maintaining strong, professional relationships.

·       Legislative Monitoring: Stay ahead of changes in government legislation and industry practices, advising the business on relevant implications and adjustments.

·       Internal Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to ensure all contractual arrangements meet legal, commercial, safety, and environmental requirements.

·       Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the development and improvement of internal control systems, policies, and processes, aligned with legislative and corporate governance standards.

·       Training and Development: Contribute to training sessions across the business on legal and commercial matters, ensuring team members are equipped with the knowledge to manage legal risks effectively.

What you’ll bring

·       A law degree with a current practicing certificate.

·       Minimum of 3 years’ (ideally 5+) practical experience as an in-house legal counsel or relevant law firm experience, with expertise in commercial and contract law (experience within the engineering and/or consultancy industry would be an advantage, as would familiarity with ACENZ, ENZ and IPENZ short form agreements and CCCs).

·       Working knowledge of relevant statutes, regulations, and industry standards, including corporate governance, employment law, risk management, and insurance.

·       Strong communication skills – both verbal and written – able to clearly communicate complex legal issues in a practical and accessible way.

·       A high level of integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to high professional standards.

·       Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

·       Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications – Word, Outlook, Excel, Adobe, PowerPoint, and Teams.

What’s in it for you?

·       Competitive salary and benefits - health insurance, income protection, parental leave top-ups, and extra leave options.

·       Work-life balance - flexible working arrangements and a hybrid work culture.

·       Career development - ongoing professional development, education support, and career growth opportunities.

·       Meaningful work - be part of a company solving New Zealand’s most important environmental challenges.

·       Dynamic team culture - join an inclusive and dynamic team where your contributions are valued.

About PDP

Pattle Delamore Partners is an employee-owned consultancy that brings together nearly 300 experts to provide innovative environmental solutions across Aotearoa. With over 38 years of experience, we take pride in delivering quality outcomes for our clients while fostering an environment that supports your personal and professional growth.

How to apply

If you’re ready to make a difference with your legal experience, we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply Now to submit your CV and cover letter. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so don’t wait!

For any questions, contact [email protected] or visit www.pdp.co.nz to learn more about us.