Legal Adviser, Credit

About this role

Ko mātou tēnei | Who we are

Te Komihana Tauhokohoko | The Commerce Commission is New Zealand's competition, fair trading, consumer credit 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.

We have a fixed term opportunity for a Legal Adviser to support our Credit function ahead of its proposed transfer to the Financial Markets Authority. This fixed term role runs to the end of March 2026, but the finish date may be brought forward if the transfer of the Credit function occurs earlier than currently expected. This position can be based in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) or Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).

The indicative salary range for this role is $81,494 – $95,876 plus 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects their individual skills, experience, and internal relativities across the organisation.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

As a Legal Adviser at the Commission, you will be part of an expert Legal Services team with an impressive record of enforcement outcomes and defended appeals. Under the guidance and mentoring of senior colleagues, you will work on strategically significant and complex projects. You will be carrying out legal research and analysis as well as assisting with the drafting and presentation of legal opinions and advice.

Working in our Credit Legal team you work will be focused on the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 (and Fair Trading Act 1986 where applicable). These Acts protect New Zealand consumers when they borrow money or buy goods on credit. You may be supporting senior colleagues that are project managing selected litigation projects and advising teams during investigations, including assessing conduct for alleged breaches of the Acts we enforce, advising on litigation strategy, providing instruction to external legal counsel, drafting and reviewing Court documents and ensuring the Commission behaves as a model litigant.

He kōrero mōu | About you

To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:

• An undergraduate degree in law with a sound academic transcript
• 1 to 2 years' Post Qualification Experience
• Interest in consumer credit law, public law and/or litigation
• Strong problem solving, research and analytical skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Above all, we are seeking a smart and curious lawyer who has a keen interest in working on important regulatory issues and who is committed to public service and making life better for New Zealanders.

Te wāhi 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 pēhea 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 for this role and the skills and experience you bring.

For any queries contact Liz Martin on 04 924 3625. Closing date for applications Sunday 11 May 2025.

Studies have shown that women and people from under-represented backgrounds are less likely to apply for roles where they don't match the job description criteria exactly. If you're excited about this role and think you have what it takes, but your experience doesn't align 100%, we still want to hear from you and would encourage you to apply.

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.