Manager - Law Reform

• Shape New Zealand’s legal future
• Influence law, policy and justice
• Partner with New Zealand's top legal leaders

The New Zealand Law Society Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa plays a vital role in supporting the legal profession and promoting the rule of law. Through its advocacy and law reform work, the Law Society provides independent, expert input on legislation, policy development, access to justice and constitutional matters that impact New Zealanders and the legal system.  


About the Role 
Reporting to the General Manager Policy, Courts and Government, you'll lead the Law Society's law reform function, providing strategic and operational leadership across a broad portfolio of legislative, policy and regulatory issues. 

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced legal professional who combines exceptional analytical capability with strong people leadership and stakeholder management skills. You'll oversee the development of high-quality submissions and policy positions, working with specialist committees, senior practitioners, government agencies, the judiciary and other key stakeholders to ensure the Law Society presents a clear, authoritative voice on issues affecting the profession and the administration of justice.  

The role operates at the heart of significant legal and public policy developments. You'll be responsible for analysing legislation and discussion documents, identifying issues and implications, coordinating expert input and helping shape the Law Society's response on matters relating to the rule of law, access to justice, human rights, constitutional issues and legal practice.  

As a trusted senior advisor, you'll also provide guidance to organisational leaders, support external advocacy initiatives, contribute to stakeholder engagement and represent the organisation in high level forums when required.  


What You'll Bring 
You're a highly credible legal professional with the intellectual capability to quickly understand complex issues and the emotional intelligence to influence a diverse range of stakeholders. You thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy working across a broad range of legal topics and are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to matters of national importance.  


Ideally, you'll bring: 

• A strong legal background gained in private practice, government, regulatory, policy, law reform, or in-house legal environments 
• Experience analysing legislation, public policy, regulatory frameworks, or law reform initiatives 
• Outstanding written communication skills, including drafting submissions, legal analysis, briefings, or policy advice 
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or influencing teams, committees, or professional stakeholders 
• The ability to build consensus and navigate competing perspectives across diverse groups 
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and confidence engaging with senior legal, government, judicial and professional audiences 
• Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to operate effectively in complex environments 
• A collaborative approach, resilience, intellectual curiosity and a sense of humour 

Why Join? 
This is a rare opportunity to lead a respected and influential law reform function that has a genuine impact on legislation, public policy and the legal profession in New Zealand. 

You'll work alongside highly regarded legal professionals and subject matter experts, engage with important national issues and contribute to discussions that shape the future of New Zealand's legal framework. The role offers significant autonomy, variety, intellectual challenge and the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships across the legal and public sectors.  

You'll join an organisation with a strong sense of purpose, a collaborative culture and a deep commitment to promoting the rule of law and improving access to justice for all New Zealanders.  


Apply Now 
To submit your application, please click to Apply or for a confidential discussion, contact Nick Ritchie at nick@inside.co.nz. All applications will be acknowledged electronically.