Job Description

Dentons is part of the world’s largest global law firm and a leading law firm in New Zealand. We have the largest global reach of any firm in New Zealand, with unparalleled access to legal expertise in over 80 countries. This expands not only to lawyers and clients, but also to global technology, learning and development, inclusion and equity initiatives and talent management. This means the opportunities are endless for our people!

The role:

We are looking for an experienced HR Advisor to join our HR Team on a 14-month fixed-term opportunity to cover a period of parental leave. This role will commence in mid-late July 2026 and run through to mid-September 2027. You’ll receive a comprehensive handover and be well-supported to succeed.

What you will be doing:

As an HR Advisor, you will partner with both our Wellington and Christchurch legal and business services teams, working alongside a dedicated HR Team across Wellington and Auckland.

Working in our environment means you’ll partner with highly skilled professionals who value quality, detail, and professional excellence, making this an exciting opportunity to refine your HR toolkit while learning best-practice HR processes.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing core HR generalist advice across the firm on HR policy, employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, people management and organisational change
• Managing end-to-end recruitment,from role scoping and advertising through to interviews, offers and onboarding
• Presenting and speaking to future lawyers at early career events
• Carrying out orientations and training
• Supporting annual people processes such as remuneration reviews, promotions and development discussions
• Advising on performance management and wellbeing initiatives
• Contributing to people projects that support Dentons' culture, capability, and growth

Your relevant experience will include:

• A relevant graduate or postgraduate qualification (preferably in HR or business)
• At least 3 years’ experience in a HR role
• Recruitment experience attracting, selecting and successfully onboarding great people
• A strong understanding of New Zealand employment legislation and HR best practices
• Outstanding relationship-building abilities, with a collaborative and solutions-focused mindset
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital platforms
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks at one time
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving

What do we offer?

At Dentons, you will be part of a collaborative, inclusive culture where innovation, diversity and growth are embraced and supported. No two days are the same.

We offer you the opportunity to be part of an inclusive team that works in partnership with our clients, where you will get plenty of valuable experience as well as first class mentoring and career development. We will support your development by investing in your learning and providing opportunities to get involved in a wide range of projects. We are a future focussed firm and that ethos extends to our people too. We have a culture of excellence in the quality of the work we do, how we deal with our clients and how we deal with each other.

At Dentons Kensington Swan, we can offer you top quality work matched with an outstanding firm culture. We offer competitive remuneration, reflective of experience along with benefits that will make a positive difference to your work/life balance.

• We are a global business but locally run and operated, giving us the best of both worlds
• We invest in our people - learning and development are key
• An annual wellness allowance of $500
• Sporting and charity events, regular team events, family Christmas parties and a mid-year and end of year function

Dentons Kensington Swan is a Pride Pledge accredited employer. We believe inclusion drives diversity and fostering an environment where our people thrive through diversity of thought and shared experience makes us the successful global firm we are. We encourage applications irrespective of race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. Dentons Kensington Swan is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an environment where everyone respects and supports each other.

If this sounds like the next step in your HR career, please submit your CV and cover letter. Please note that applications will be reviewed as they come in as we hope to fill this role soon, so don’t delay in applying!

For a confidential discussion about the role, or a copy of the position description, please contact Emma Gibbins on emma.gibbins@dentons.com