Associate/Senior Associate - Litigation & Disputes

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced litigator with 5–10 years’ PQE to join our nationally recognised Auckland-based Litigation team.

This opportunity is suited to an Associate or Senior Associate looking to play a key role within a growing national practice. Working closely with Partners James Cochrane and Lynne Van, you will lead matters with a high degree of autonomy, work directly with clients, and contribute to the development of junior lawyers and the continued success of the team.

Our team is proud of its nationally awarded status while maintaining a supportive and tight-knit culture. Your work will span high-value commercial disputes, securities enforcement, shareholder and governance issues, recoveries, insurance, and property-related matters, across a diverse client base ranging from individuals and start-ups through to insolvency practitioners, lenders, and multinational corporates.

Key duties

• Act as a trusted adviser to clients, delivering practical and commercially focused legal solutions
• Lead litigation and dispute resolution matters with a high degree of autonomy and strategic oversight
• Engage directly with clients and key stakeholders, including opposing counsel, courts, tribunals, mediators, and industry specialists
• Draft and review high-quality submissions, affidavits, legal opinions, and strategic advice
• Appear in the District Court and High Court, as well as appellate jurisdictions, tribunals, mediations, and other dispute resolution forums
• Supervise, mentor, and develop junior lawyers, supporting their technical and professional growth
• Manage files end-to-end, ensuring exceptional client service and successful commercial outcomes
• Contribute to business development initiatives and client relationship management
• Contribute positively to team culture and support the firm’s strategic direction
• Take ownership of your professional development and career progression

About You

You’ll bring 5–10 years’ litigation experience, ideally within a fast-paced commercial environment, along with exposure to high-value or complex matters. We also welcome expressions of interest from litigators who have spent time in chambers and are seeking a meaningful change in a firm environment.

You are confident leading matters and managing client relationships, with strong technical ability, sound commercial judgment, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. You enjoy mentoring junior lawyers and thrive in a collaborative environment where initiative, leadership, and high-quality client service are valued.

You will be commercially minded, solutions-focused, and motivated to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of a leading national litigation practice.

Why Lane Neave?

Lane Neave is proud to be one of New Zealand’s leading full-service law firms, with a true national presence and a culture that puts people first.

We’re exceptionally proud of our team and our achievements, including being named a 5-Star Employer of Choice and Employer of Choice (<100 Lawyers) by NZ Lawyer. We actively contribute to environmental, health, and economic causes, and proudly provide pro-bono services that make a real difference in our communities.

Our modern offices and regular social events foster a vibrant and supportive work environment. We also understand the importance of flexibility and are open to discussing arrangements that support your work-life balance.

We offer a competitive remuneration package, an impressive suite of benefits, and clear progression pathways for exceptional candidates.

Apply Now

To submit a confidential enquiry or expression of interest, please contact Senior Emily Watson, Talent Acquisition Specialist at ••••@laneneave.co.nz or 02• ••• •346.

Please note, agency applications will not be considered at this time.