Legal Counsel / Senior Legal Counsel

Company Description

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s pre-eminent University, with a turnover of $1.6bn, including research revenue of over $300m generated across eight diverse faculties and two research institutes. With over 9,000 staff and 50,000 students, the University of Auckland is one of New Zealand’s most significant and complex entities.

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity 

This is a dynamic, fast-paced role in a growing team where your legal expertise will directly contribute to the University’s strategic and commercial success. As a senior member of the team, you’ll work across a wide range of matters, supporting research, enterprise, procurement, partnerships and innovation. As a commercially focussed lawyer in a complex public organisation, your work will also extend to the governance, regulatory and legislative frameworks applicable to the matters you are working on. This role is caried, intellectually engaging and purpose driven.

You’ll be part of a collaborative legal team, and a wider risk and governance function, providing pragmatic, solutions-focused advice that enables the University’s teaching, research, public institution and engagement activities. This role offers the opportunity to work with purpose, influence outcomes, and support commercial initiatives that have real impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements.
• Advising on intellectual property, confidentiality, data sharing and commercial risk.
• Supporting commercialisation, innovation and revenue-generating activity.
• Providing legal input into procurement, funding and partnership arrangements.
• Delivering commercial advice within the context of a public sector organisation – including supporting governance processes and advising on relevant legislation
• Partnering with senior leaders to manage legal risk and enable informed decision-making.
• Contributing to continuous improvement and legal literacy across the organisation.
• Upholding the University’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and equity outcomes.

This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), Permanent position.

For more detailed information, please refer to the Position Description

He kōrero mōu | About you 

You’re a confident and capable legal professional with 5+ years PQE, with experience in commercial law within a large and complex organisation in and, ideally, some exposure to public law. You bring sound judgement, a pragmatic mindset and the ability to work autonomously on high-impact matters. This role will suit an experienced practitioner looking for a new challenge/industry sector, or a person looking to take the next step in their in-house career.

You’re aspirational, smart and commercially aware. Someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys solving problems with purpose. You’re comfortable navigating ambiguity, managing competing priorities and building strong relationships across diverse teams.

If you’re looking for a role where your legal expertise can help shape innovation and strategic partnerships, we’d love to hear from you.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

The University of Auckland is New Zealand’s leading university and maintains significant computational, laboratory and analytic facilities.

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home, flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary ($155,000 – $172,000) reflecting experience with five weeks’ annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programmes, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and a number of other discounts on internal and external services.

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits

Qualifications

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply 

Applications should be submitted online, before the closing date of Wednesday 2nd September, 2026 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and your CV highlighting how you can meet the skills and experiences detailed above.  

For a confidential conversation, please reach out to Joshua Chapman -  j.chapman@auckland.ac.nz 

Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email. 

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz