Legal Counsel

This is a rare opportunity to step into a sole counsel role within a diversified property and investment business.

Working directly with senior leadership, you'll provide advice across commercial property, leasing, disputes, governance, compliance and wider business initiatives. Your role will extend beyond technical legal support, with regular involvement in commercial discussions, project work and matters that influence business outcomes.

The work is broad, commercially focused and highly visible. You'll be exposed to everything from day-to-day operational issues through to acquisitions, development projects, dispute resolution and strategic business decisions.

For a lawyer who enjoys variety and wants to be part of the decision-making process rather than reviewing matters from the sidelines, this role offers significant breadth and engagement.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial agreements
• Advising on leasing, licensing and commercial property matters
• Supporting acquisitions, disposals and development projects
• Managing disputes, claims and contentious matters
• Providing legal advice on risk, governance and compliance issues
• Partnering with senior stakeholders on strategic initiatives
• Managing relationships with external legal advisers
• Supporting legal operations and process improvement
• Assisting with financing, investment and transactional activity

The work is varied and business-facing, requiring the ability to switch between operational matters and higher-level commercial projects.  

• NZ qualified lawyer with approximately 6+ years PQE
• Strong commercial property, leasing and transactional experience
• Experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements
• Sound judgement and a pragmatic approach to legal risk
• Confidence engaging directly with senior stakeholders
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
• Ability to prioritise effectively across multiple matters
• Clear communication skills and the ability to provide practical recommendations

Lawyers from property, commercial or real estate-focused practices are likely to find the transition particularly relevant. However, candidates with a blend of private practice and in-house experience will also be considered.  

Many legal counsel roles focus on a single business unit or operate within larger legal teams.

This role offers something broader.

As the sole legal adviser, you'll gain exposure across a wide range of legal and commercial issues while working closely with the people responsible for the direction of the business. Your advice will contribute to decisions involving property, investment, operational and strategic matters, providing variety that is often difficult to find in more specialised roles.

The breadth of work will appeal to lawyers who enjoy applying their legal expertise across multiple disciplines while remaining closely connected to the commercial realities of the business.

What Success Looks Like
This is a fast-paced commercial environment where priorities can shift quickly, and legal advice is expected to be practical, commercially aware and clearly communicated.

Success in the role comes from developing a strong understanding of the business, maintaining momentum across multiple matters and exercising sound judgement when balancing risk, opportunity and commercial objectives. You'll work closely with senior decision-makers who value clear recommendations, thoughtful analysis and a solutions-focused approach.

The breadth of work, visibility across the organisation and pace of decision-making will appeal to lawyers who enjoy responsibility, variety and a broad mix of legal and commercial challenges.

This established Auckland-based business owns, manages and invests in a substantial portfolio of commercial assets and related ventures.

The legal function supports a broad range of activities across property, investment and operational matters, creating exposure that extends well beyond a traditional property law role.

The result is a role that combines technical legal work with genuine commercial involvement, allowing the successful lawyer to become a trusted adviser across the wider business.

Click "QUICK APPLY" or send your CV & Aacademic Transcripts to jenny.g@stellarrecruitment.co.nz, or for a confidential chat, call Jenny on 021 0230 3960.

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Stellar Executive Search