Senior Legal Counsel / Legal Counsel

Ko matou tenei \| Who we are

Te Komihana Tauhokohoko \| The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's competition, fair trading and economic regulatory agency. Our mission is to make New Zealanders better off by ensuring our markets work well and consumers and businesses are confident participants in those markets.

With our areas of responsibility continuing to expand, our in-house legal team, which is one of the largest in the country, takes a collaborative, cross-functional approach to the delivery of legal services.

Mo te turanga \| About the roles

Our Legal Services branch provides expert legal support across the Commission's regulatory, competition and consumer protection functions. We work at the centre of some of New Zealand's most significant legal, economic and public policy issues, partnering with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality legal advice, litigation outcomes and regulatory decisions.

As a Senior Legal Counsel, you will lead complex legal matters, provide strategic legal advice, and mentor and support less experienced lawyers. The indicative salary range for the Senior Legal Counsel roles is $137,710 - $162,021 plus 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution

As a Legal Counsel, you will undertake complex legal research and analysis and work with senior colleagues to develop effective solutions to legal issue. The indicative salary range for the Legal Counsel role is $109,124 - $128,382 plus 3.5% KiwiSaver employer contribution.

We currently have two opportunities available based in Tamaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington):

Senior Legal Counsel - Market Regulation (Permanent)

Help deliver regulatory outcomes across sectors including telecommunications, fuel, groceries, dairy and retail payment systems. You will advise on complex regulatory frameworks, administrative law issues and statutory decision-making, while supporting rule-setting, market monitoring, compliance and enforcement activities that are critical to effective market performance in New Zealand.

Legal Counsel - Fair Trading (Permanent)

Contribute to the Commission's work protecting consumers and promoting fair conduct in trade. You will support investigations and enforcement action relating to misleading and deceptive conduct, unfair practices and product safety issues. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will undertake legal research and analysis, provide legal advice and assistance during investigations and contribute to litigation and other regulatory activities.

He korero mou \| About you

To be successful in one of these roles, you will ideally have:

• An undergraduate degree in law with a strong academic transcript
• Experience relevant to the level of role applied for
• Experience in competition law, fair trading law, public law, regulatory enforcement, litigation and/or industry-specific regulation
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills
• Strong drafting ability, including legal advice, decision documents and, where relevant, court documents
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to build strong working relationships and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams

Above all, we are seeking smart and curious lawyers who are interested in working on important competition, consumer protection and regulatory issues and who are committed to public service and making life better for New Zealanders.

Read more about the skills, experience and knowledge required for this position in the position description. If you are applying via SEEK, by clicking Apply Now you will be redirected to our careers page where you can access our position description.

Te wahi mahi \| Working here

We're friendly and collaborative and enjoy contributing to our shared vision of making New Zealanders better off and are committed to our people's wellbeing. Our flexible working options are key to supporting that goal and our people have the technology they need to make it happen. Our environment is inclusive, and our people know they are free to be their authentic selves at work and structure the way they work to suit their lifestyle.

Click here to find out more about benefits and life here at Te Komihana Tauhokohoko \| The Commerce Commission.

Ka pehea te tono mai \| How to apply

If you want to contribute to our vision to make New Zealanders better off, please click 'Apply for this job' below. You will need to complete an online application form and upload your CV and Cover Letter outlining your motivation for applying, if you have a preference for a particular position and the skills and experience you bring.

We will be screening applications as we receive them to move swiftly to interview shortly after the advert closes. For any queries contact Lisa Weimann on 04 472 2038. Closing date for applications: Monday 7 September 2026.

Our recruitment process is fair, inclusive and free from bias and we encourage our applicants to let us know if we can make it more user friendly for them. We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diverse perspectives and the contribution every one of our people makes to our culture. Put simply - you can be yourself here.