Principal / Senior Legal and Policy Adviser
Join our close-knit team and help us promote the ongoing review, reform and development of law.
Shape the future of Aotearoa New Zealand law
Bring your legal expertise to life
Work at the intersection of law and community
Ko wai mātou: Who are we?
Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission is an independent Crown entity that undertakes law reform projects and provides advice to Ministers and public sector agencies.
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 Māori in our recommendations and to recognise the multicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand society.
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
Working at the Law Commission provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the law. You will be involved in the robust analysis of complex legal and policy issues, extensive public engagement and consultation and the formulation of innovative options for reform.
In joining our team, we offer:
- Being part of a small, friendly team that is passionate about reforming the law
- Commitment to your continued learning and development
- Direct professional development and support through working with Commissioners and highly experienced Principal Advisers
- A workplace that values diversity
- A range of wellbeing benefits, such as access to a gym and squash court, an eyewear allowance and reimbursement for some vaccinations.
- Payment of practising fees
Te tūranga: The role
You’ll:
- Plan and manage substantial or complex workstreams across the full lifecycle of a law reform project
- Undertake rigorous legal research and analysis to inform high-quality advice
- Identify and analyse legal and policy issues and develop well-reasoned options for reform
- Contribute to policy formulation and strategic thinking within project teams
- Draft consultation documents, briefings and final reports for the board, that are clear, concise and persuasive
- Produce written work that is thorough, balanced and demonstrates strong attention to detail
- Engage and consult effectively with a wide range of agencies, organisations and communities
- Build and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders
- Identify and assess the implications of law reform proposals for te ao Māori, including tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Supervise and mentor law clerks and more junior staff
- Exercise sound professional judgement and handle sensitive or complex matters with tact and discretion
He kōrero mōu: About you
You’re:
- Experienced in planning and managing projects or complex pieces of work.
- Skilled in legal research and writing.
- Experienced in identifying and analysing legal and policy issues, and developing options for reform.
- Able to produce written work that is clear, concise and well-reasoned.
- Able to deliver work that is thorough and demonstrates strong attention to detail.
- Able to identify the implications of law reform for te ao Māori, including in relation to tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- Experienced in engagement and consultation, and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Organised and self-managing, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
- Able to exercise sound professional judgement and able to handle sensitive matters tactfully and skilfully.
- Sensitive to the needs of New Zealand’s diverse communities.
- An active and enquiring thinker.
Tono mai: How to apply
The Law Commission is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
We’ve partnered with Kin to fill this important role. Send us your CV and cover letter and tell us why you consider this role’s the perfect fit for you. For any questions, please get in contact with Kuntal Sutaria-Mehta at Kin. She can be reached on kuntal.sutaria-mehta@kin.co.nz or 021 0263 9399. You can apply through Seek or Kin website
Applications will close on 13th March 2026 at 5PM. We will be reviewing applications as we go, so don’t delay in applying with your CV and a cover letter.
What we do
Find out about the work of the Commission, how we do it and what happens with it.