Legal Counsel

Perpetual Guardian is one of New Zealand's largest and leading providers of Personal Trustee and Estate Administration services. We’ve helped thousands of Kiwis meet their unique asset protection and preservation needs, from the simple to the complex. Through expert trust and asset planning, formation, and management services spanning generations, we’ve established ourselves as industry leaders and, most importantly, as trusted partners to our clients.

We are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel to join our award-winning and highly regarded Legal Services Team. This role offers significant learning and development opportunities within a supportive and accomplished in-house team, making it ideal for a motivated practitioner looking to enhance their expertise and build their professional brand.

As Senior Legal Counsel, you will provide in-house legal advice and drafting services related to Personal Trustee and Estate Planning and Administration, ensuring compliance with governing legislation and Perpetual Guardian’s Best Practice standards.

Our Head Office is based in Auckland, but we welcome applications from candidates based in Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington.

DepartmentLegal and EstatesEmployment TypePermanent - Full TimeLocationAuckland Head OfficeWorkplace typeHybridReporting ToTheresa Donnelly

Key Responsibilities

This is a unique and distinct role where the successful candidate gets to:

• Provide legal advice and services to a portfolio of internal clients, including new and historic complex matters
• Provide assistance in advising the company’s senior leadership in areas of risk, approach and legal obligations
• Support with litigation-related work for complex matters as required
• Be responsible for relationship management with key stakeholders and participate in project work as allocated by the legal services manager
• Be an ambassador for the legal team and the company both internally and externally; and
• Provide leadership, inspiration, coaching, mentorship and support to other members of the legal team; and
• Participate in creating a positive, collaborative culture and proactively share best practices within the legal team and with the wider business

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience
• LLB with a current Practising Certificate is essential
• Experience in fiduciary matters, trust and estate law, and estate planning strongly preferred
• Sound knowledge of New Zealand laws, trust structures, and related legal documents
• Expertise in will drafting, trust and estate administration, and legal conveyancing, including proficiency in Landonline searching and e-dealing
• Ability to prioritise under pressure, multi-task, and work independently to meet objectives
• Strong business acumen with an understanding of key business drivers and revenue impact
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high standards of literacy and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
• Commitment to providing a high standard of customer service

Job Benefits

• Health and Life Insurance Cover*
• Flexible Working Arrangement*
• Discounts on company products – including free Will!
• Discounts on products and services through commercial business partners

*eligibility criteria apply.

If you are interested in this role, please APPLY NOW! Note: Only candidates who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered.

About Perpetual Guardian

Perpetual Guardian Group is the largest non-Government philanthropic entity in Aotearoa and the leading provider of fiduciary services in New Zealand. Through the provision of expert trust, asset planning and investment management across generations of New Zealanders, we've become leaders in the industry and, most importantly, trusted partners with our clients.

We are specialists in providing Wills, Trusts and Enduring Powers of Attorney.  We understand the sensitive nature of Wills, supporting grieving families, helping to plan estates and achieve financial goals.