{"id":16675,"date":"2026-08-31T08:02:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T08:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawfuel.com\/jobs\/?post_type=job_listing&p=16675"},"modified":"2026-08-31T08:02:17","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T08:02:17","slug":"law-commission-senior-legal-adviser-principal-policy-and-legal-adviser","status":"publish","type":"job_listing","link":"https:\/\/www.lawfuel.com\/jobs\/job\/law-commission-senior-legal-adviser-principal-policy-and-legal-adviser\/","title":{"rendered":"Law Commission – Senior Legal Adviser & Principal Policy and Legal Adviser"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Join a close-knit, highly engaged team working on law reform that matters for Aotearoa New Zealand. This is an opportunity to contribute to complex, high-impact projects, work alongside experienced Commissioners and advisers, and help shape practical recommendations for reform.<\/p>\n

We will appoint at either Senior Legal and Policy Adviser or Principal Legal and Policy Adviser level, depending on the successful candidate\u2019s skills and experience.<\/p>\n

Who are we?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Law Commission is an independent statutory Crown entity established by the Law Commission Act 1985 that undertakes law reform projects and provides advice to Ministers and public sector agencies.<\/p>\n

Our role is to promote the systematic review, reform and development of the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are required to take into account te ao M\u0101ori in our recommendations and to recognise the multicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand society.<\/p>\n

What we offer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Working at the Law Commission gives you the opportunity to contribute to the development of the law in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will analyse complex legal and policy issues, engage with the public and stakeholders, and help develop practical, well-reasoned options for reform.<\/p>\n

In joining our team, you will:<\/p>\n

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  • Work in a fun and exciting environment with people who are passionate about excellence and relevance.<\/li>\n
  • Receive support for your continued learning and development.<\/li>\n
  • Benefit from direct professional development and support through working with Commissioners and highly experienced Principal Advisers.<\/li>\n
  • Work in a workplace that values diversity, capability and different perspectives.<\/li>\n
  • Have access to a range of wellbeing benefits, such as: eyewear allowance; participation in Chemist Warehouse Corporate Flu Programme.<\/li>\n
  • Payment of practising fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The role<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    You\u2019ll:<\/p>\n

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    • Undertake rigorous legal research and analysis to inform high-quality advice, including by reviewing and strengthening the work of other team members.<\/li>\n
    • Plan and manage substantial or complex workstreams across the full lifecycle of a law reform project, from scoping and research through to consultation, analysis and final reporting.<\/li>\n
    • Identify and analyse legal and policy issues, and develop well-reasoned options for reform.<\/li>\n
    • Contribute to policy formulation and strategic thinking within project teams.<\/li>\n
    • Draft consultation documents, briefings and final reports for the Board that are clear, concise and persuasive.<\/li>\n
    • Produce written work that is thorough and balanced, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and review similar work by other team members.<\/li>\n
    • Engage and consult effectively with public sector agencies, organisations, experts, communities and others affected by law reform proposals.<\/li>\n
    • Build and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders.<\/li>\n
    • Identify and assess the implications of law reform proposals for te ao M\u0101ori, including tikanga M\u0101ori and te Tiriti o Waitangi.<\/li>\n
    • Supervise and mentor law clerks and more junior staff.<\/li>\n
    • Exercise sound professional judgement and handle sensitive or complex matters with tact and discretion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      About you<\/strong><\/h2>\n

      First and foremost, you are skilled in legal research and writing. You can:<\/p>\n

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      • research new areas of law, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and in other jurisdictions<\/li>\n
      • identify key legal and policy issues<\/li>\n
      • develop options for reform<\/li>\n
      • produce written work that is thorough, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and is clear, concise and well-reasoned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        In addition, you\u2019re:<\/p>\n

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        • Experienced in planning and managing projects or complex pieces of work.<\/li>\n
        • Able to identify the implications of law reform for te ao M\u0101ori, including in relation to tikanga M\u0101ori and te Tiriti o Waitangi.<\/li>\n
        • Experienced in engagement and consultation, and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.<\/li>\n
        • Organised and self-managing, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.<\/li>\n
        • Able to exercise sound professional judgement and to handle sensitive matters tactfully and skilfully.<\/li>\n
        • Sensitive to the needs of New Zealand\u2019s diverse communities.<\/li>\n
        • An active and enquiring thinker.<\/li>\n
        • A positive \u2018can do\u2019 person who is excited to contribute to meaningful law reform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          How to apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n

          The Law Commission encourages candidates from all backgrounds and communities to apply. To apply, please send us your CV and cover letter to employment@lawcom.govt.nz and tell us why you consider this role is the perfect fit for you.<\/p>\n

          For any questions, please contact Sindy Gallen, General Manager, Law Commission, \u00a0We\u2019ll review applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.<\/p>\n

          Applications close 4th September 2026.\u00a0We\u2019ll review applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n

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