Senior Solicitor

About the Role

As a Senior Solicitor at the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, you will be instrumental in supporting the agency's regulatory mandate by delivering expert legal guidance on aviation, regulatory, and public law matters. Collaborating closely with senior management and specialist teams, you will ensure sound statutory decision-making, help manage legal risks, and contribute to advancing aviation safety and security across New Zealand.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver authoritative legal advice covering aviation, regulatory frameworks, and public law.
• Facilitate statutory decision processes and proper application of regulatory authority.
• Identify potential legal and governance risks and propose effective, practical responses.
• Advise on investigative procedures, enforcement measures, and prosecution considerations.
• Analyze and interpret relevant legislation, policies, and regulatory standards.
• Work alongside senior leadership to provide timely, dependable legal counsel.
• Enhance organisational legal expertise through conducting training sessions and workshops.
• Draft comprehensive legal advice, briefings, and responses addressing complex matters within the public sector.
• Promote consistent provision of high-quality legal services across the organisation.

Candidate Profile

You will be an experienced lawyer passionate about navigating complex regulatory environments while delivering practical, solution-oriented advice. Confident in engaging with senior leaders and managing ambiguity, you will be driven to contribute to public safety and regulatory excellence.

• Extensive post-admission legal experience, preferably within the public sector or regulated industries.
• Strong skills in public law, regulatory law, administrative decision-making, or similar fields.
• Ability to communicate clear and pragmatic guidance on complex legal issues.
• Proven capability to influence and advise senior leadership effectively.
• Sound judgement with a careful approach to legal risk assessment and management.
• Excellent skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship development.
• Expertise in simplifying complex legal concepts for varied audiences.
• Experience mentoring or supporting the growth of legal colleagues.
• A collaborative and adaptable professional demeanor with a focus on delivering results.

You must hold a legal qualification equivalent to an LLB, be a qualified solicitor, and either hold or be eligible to obtain a New Zealand practising certificate.

About the Organisation

The Civil Aviation Authority safeguards aviation safety and security in New Zealand, supporting the aviation sector and protecting the travelling public. Our vision is to maintain a safe and secure aviation environment where safety is assured and perceived.

Our core values are Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration. We strive to cultivate an inclusive and supportive workplace where every individual feels valued and respected.

Benefits

• Five weeks of annual leave.
• Immediate entitlement to sick leave.
• Employer KiwiSaver contributions matched up to 4%.
• Vision care support.
• Provision of flu vaccinations.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme.

Additional Information

The role offers a salary range from $115,536 to $141,751 NZD, with starting pay commensurate with the candidate's skillset and internal equity. This is a permanent position based in Wellington. Applications are encouraged early due to potential for early closure. Accessibility requirements in the recruitment process are welcomed and supported.