Civil Litigation Lawyer (35 PQE) Hamilton or Auckland

Civil Litigation Lawyer (3–5 PQE) – Hamilton or Auckland based

Build your litigation career on meaningful, high quality work, within a team that’s collaborative, connected, and genuinely supportive.

We’re growing our Civil Litigation team at Tompkins Wake and are looking for a developing litigator to join us in Hamilton or Auckland, with flexible and hybrid working options available.

The Opportunity:

This is a great opportunity to build on your litigation experience while working closely with Partners and Special Counsel on a broad range of civil and commercial disputes.  Our team works on high profile and complex matters across New Zealand, advising both public and private sector clients. You’ll be supported by experienced senior lawyers, with real opportunities to develop your skills, deepen your expertise, and take on increasing responsibility as you grow.  Whether your experience is in general civil litigation or more specialised areas such as construction or competition, we’re interested in lawyers who are keen to learn, contribute, and progress.

The opportunity is a mix of supporting and progressing civil and commercial litigation matters, drafting pleadings, affidavits, and submissions, assisting with strategic advice across a range of disputes, appearing in court (commensurate with your experience), working closely with Partners and Special Counsel on complex matters, collaborating with teams across the firm on contentious issues and building strong client relationships

You will have:

• 3–5 years’ PQE in civil or commercial litigation


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with developing advocacy experience


• Sound judgement and a growing level of commercial awareness


• Experience supporting or managing aspects of litigation matters


• High attention to detail and commitment to quality

• A collaborative, team focused approach and willingness to learn

Experience in construction or competition litigation is advantageous but not essential.

At Tompkins Wake, you’ll find the balance many lawyers are looking for.  This being high quality and meaningful work, real responsibility and client exposure, a collaborative, approachable team culture and flexibility in how and where you work.

Our offerings are different to the others and will include but not limited to:

• Competitive salary aligned with experience


• Clear development and progression pathways


• Mentoring from experienced practitioners

• A connected team across all four offices

Tompkins Wake is a national award winning law firm with offices in Hamilton, Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua.

We combine the capability of a large firm with the connection and agility of a regional one, giving our people the opportunity to do great work, while building careers that work for them.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your law career, on your terms, we’d love to hear from you.  We welcome confidential discussions, please feel free to text or call; 0212257071 to connect with our Manager, People and Culture, Andrea Daly.

Our Commitment

We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our Rainbow Tick certification and participation in the NZLS Gender Equality Charter reflect our belief that different perspectives make us stronger.

Apply now - please include your CV, academic transcript and a cover letter with your application.