Job Description

Dentons is part of the world’s largest global law firm, and a leading law firm in New Zealand. We are a firm that embraces change. We have the largest reach of any firm in New Zealand, and have unparalleled access to legal expertise in over 80 countries. Our international approach and resources include global technology support, diversity initiatives and talent management. This means the opportunities are endless for our people!

The role

With a prominent local partner joining our Christchurch office, we have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Associate to join our growing Corporate and Commercial team.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing practice and work closely with an experienced corporate lawyer who is nationally recognised for her outstanding work and client commitment.

Join a partner who has practised across New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom and is recognised for providing commercially focused, pragmatic advice and is recognised by The Legal 500.

Working as part of a high-performing local and national team, you will take a lead role on a range of significant transactions and advisory engagements, while building strong client relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the practice, not just locally but also nationally and internationally.

The role will see you:

• Advise clients on a broad range of corporate law matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, directors' duties, shareholder arrangements, and general company law issues.
• Take ownership of complex corporate matters and transactions, working directly with clients and partners to deliver practical, commercially focused outcomes.
• Help build and strengthen client relationships while contributing to business development initiatives.
• Contribute to the growth of the Christchurch Corporate and Commercial practice.
• Develop expertise across a diverse client base, ranging from private businesses and founders to larger corporate organisations.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• 8+ years' PQE with strong corporate law experience.
• Experience advising on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and commercial contracts.
• Strong technical legal skills and sound commercial judgement.
• The ability to manage matters independently and take ownership of client relationships.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to mentor and support junior team members.
• A strategic and solutions-focused mindset.

What do we offer?

We will offer you the opportunity to be part of a dynamic and inclusive team that works in partnership with our clients, where you will get plenty of client contact, hands-on guidance and valuable experience. We are a future-focussed firm and that ethos extends to our people too. At Dentons we can offer you top quality work matched with an outstanding firm culture. We offer competitive remuneration 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 can work flexibly at all levels in our business, 
• Lifestyle leave – purchase additional leave each year,
• Paid parental leave of 26 weeks/5 weeks for non-primary caregiver.
• Regular social events, including Friday Fives, sporting and charity events, annual balls, family Christmas parties, and an end of year function,
• Dedicated wellness programme, including an annual wellness allowance
• Pro bono opportunities.

Dentons is Pride Pledge certified. 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 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an environment where everyone respects and supports each other. 

For more information about our Corporate team check out: Dentons in New Zealand - Corporate.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter. For a confidential discussion about the role, or a copy of the position description, contact Shannon Davis on shannon.davis@dentons.com