Senior Solicitor

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

• Shape Immigration law. Influence public policy. Grow your legal career.
• Permanent, full-time position based in our central Wellington offices
• Salary $118,390 - $160,472 + Kiwisaver + wellness benefits

Tēnei tūranga - About the Role:

We’re looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Solicitor to join MBIE’s Legal, Ethics & Privacy branch. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a programme of work supporting Immigration New Zealand, while also advising across MBIE’s broader regulatory and operational landscape.

If you’re a technically strong legal practitioner with a passion for public law and a desire to work on complex, high-impact matters, this could be your next career move.

As the Senior Solicitor, you’ll:

• Provide high-quality legal advice on a wide range of matters, with a particular focus on Immigration NZ’s strategic programme of work.
• Work closely with other in-house counsel and senior stakeholders across MBIE.
• Lead complex assignments and contribute to policy, legislation, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Coach and mentor junior lawyers, supporting capability development across the team.
• Operate with autonomy in a collaborative, collegial environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.

This is a senior-level role where your expertise will directly influence MBIE’s legal strategy and support its mission to Grow New Zealand for All.

Ngā pukenga me ngā wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

We’re seeking a legal professional who brings:

• A tertiary qualification in law and a current practising certificate.
• At least 5 years PQE, ideally with experience in public law, statutory interpretation, and regulatory systems.  
• Strong legal technical skills and sound judgement on complex matters.
• Experience working with or advising on immigration law or systems (preferred but not essential).
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and ability to lead assignments.
• Must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand.

Ētahi kōrero mō MBIE - About MBIE:

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

• Mahi Tahi – Better Together
• Māia – Bold and brave
• Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future
• Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Māori identity – Hīkina Whakatutuki – which broadly means ‘lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Māori, other Māori groups/organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Māori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand. We are committed to continuing to partner with iwi in order to find new sustainable solutions to address long standing systemic and cross-cutting issues facing Māori and wider Aotearoa New Zealand and we are also committed to identifying opportunities for iwi to lead and creating an enabling environment for iwi to leverage these opportunities.

E mōhio ana a Hīkina Whakatutuki i puea ake te kōtuinga I waenganui i a ngāi Māori me te Karauna i Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ā, kei te whai ia ki te whakaū ake i Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Mā te whai kiko o ngā kōtuinga ahungaroa o ngāi wi, o ngāi Māori, me ētahi atu rōpū Māori ki te Karauna, katutuki tēnei. He āhuatanga nui tēnei e āhei ai ngā mahi whanaketanga ā-ohanga, ā-pāpori hoki ki a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui. E whai tonu ana mātou ki te kōtui atu ki ngā iwi mō te rapu huarahi hou ki te whakaara i ngā kaupapakua roa nei e tāmi ana i a ngāi Māori me Aotearoa whānui, ā, e whai ana hoki ki te tautohu i ngā āheinga kōkiritanga mā ngā iwi, me te tautoko i ngā iwi kia whai mana ake ai ēnei āheinga.

Me pēhea te tono - How to Apply:

Click here to view a position description. 

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Email Jess Dalbeth at Jess.Dalbeth@mbie.govt.nz if you have any further questions.

This role will be advertised until filled. We will be reviewing applications as they are received. If you are interested in the role, please don’t hesitate to apply.