Experienced Civil Litigation Lawyer (Senior Associate+)

Clear Partnership Pathway | Southland – Central Otago

Ready for greater influence, leadership and a genuine path to Partnership?

If you’re an experienced Civil Litigator who feels progression has stalled, this is a rare opportunity to step into practice leadership with a clear future. This role arises from the planned retirement of our long-standing senior litigator, creating a genuine succession and Partnership opportunity within a stable, growing firm.

AWS Legal is a long-established, highly respected firm with a strong regional presence across Southland and Central Otago, known for quality work, a down-to-earth culture, and true work-life balance.

The Opportunity

This is not a “holding” role, it’s a step-up. It has been created deliberately, with time for transition, handover and relationship continuity. You will have genuine mandate to lead the Civil Litigation practise, supported by the Partners.

This role will strongly appeal if you’re ready for leadership, want influence, autonomy, and are looking for a long-term future, not just another title.

You will:

• Lead and grow our Civil Litigation practice
• Manage a high-quality, complex and established litigation caseload, including disputes, court appearances and ADR
• Act as a Trusted Advisor, providing pragmatic and commercially sound advice
• Lead, mentor and develop litigation lawyers and support staff, ensuring work is delivered to a high professional standard
• Play an active role in shaping the future direction of your firm
• Enter open, early discussions around Partnership, with a realistic and transparent pathway

Location Flexibility

The role is based at our Invercargill Head Office, with flexibility for the right person to reside in Southland &/or Central Otago. We welcome considered transitions and are open to phased or flexible arrangements.

About You

You will have:

·         NZ qualification and current practicing certificate

·         Strong experience in Civil Litigation (Senior Associate+)

·         Confidence dealing directly with clients and complex matters

·         A commercial, pragmatic approach

·         Genuine interest in leadership and mentoring

·         Ambition to progress to Partnership in the medium term

·         High self-awareness, a grounded and positive outlook, and a belief in continual improvement, contributing proactively to a constructive, engaged team culture.

Why AWS Legal?

·         Clear Partnership Pathway, underpinned by active succession planning and Board support

·         Strong pipeline of quality litigation work

·         Supportive, experienced and approachable Partners

·         Genuine work-life balance – nights and weekends are yours

·         Flexible work arrangements and location options

·         Competitive remuneration aligned with experience and progression

·         Active social and wellbeing committee initiatives

·         Benefits including Paid Parental Leave, Birthday Leave, Long Service Leave, discounted legal services and Lawlink banking benefits.

Interested?

If you’re an experienced litigator ready to move beyond the limits of your current role, we encourage a confidential conversation. We appreciate this is a considered career decision, so for a discreet chat call Rachel Lindsay (Board Chair) 027 408 2621. Visit www.awslegal.co.nz

Apply with CV and cover letter via Seek https://nz.seek.com/job/92185958. Sign-on Bonus if you apply directly. Applications reviewed as received.