Managing Lawyer

Step away from billable hours and into meaningful work with genuine community impact. Manage a dedicated team providing high-quality legal services:

 ·  Lead with purpose

·  Live with balance

·  Make a real difference to your community

At Baywide Community Law we believe the law should serve everyone, not just those who can afford it. We work alongside our communities to provide trusted, accessible and professional free legal services along the Bay of Plenty coast.

We are now seeking a Managing Lawyer to lead our dedicated legal team across Tauranga and Whakatāne. This is an opportunity for an experienced lawyer who wants their work to matter, someone motivated by impact, people, and community rather than billable hours and corporate targets.

The role

As Managing Lawyer you will provide leadership, supervision and support to our legal team while maintaining an interesting and varied caseload. You’ll help shape the future of Baywide Community Law and contribute to the wellbeing of the communities we serve.  

The role can be based in either Tauranga or Whakatāne and includes regular travel between offices. You’ll work alongside a committed multidisciplinary team including lawyers, client coordinators, community connectors and administration staff across both sites.

No two days are the same. One moment you may be mentoring junior staff, the next advocating for a vulnerable client, collaborating with community organisations, or helping strengthen systems and strategy across the organisation.

What we offer

·         Flexible working arrangements (0.8 FTE to full time) with no billing targets

·         A diverse and rewarding role with real community impact

·         Opportunity to broaden your legal expertise

·         A genuinely supportive and collaborative culture

·         Practising certificate plus 12 hours CPD per year

·         Competitive salary and benefits package

We are looking for an experienced lawyer who values people as much as legal practice, thrives on variety and is committed to improving access to justice for our community.

What will you bring with you?

·         Qualified NZ Barrister & Solicitor approved to practice on own account

·         Broad legal knowledge with experience across multiple practice areas (ideally including family, employment and criminal law) 

·         Experience supervising, managing and mentoring legal teams

·         Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and collaborate effectively

·         Cultural competency, including experience with te reo Māori me ōna tikanga and understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

·         Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to engage effectively with our diverse community

·         Sound judgment, problem-solving skills and initiative

·         Proven client management skills and the ability to work proactively and independently

·         A current NZLS practising certificate (or the entitlement to obtain one) and the legal right to work in NZ.

·         A current full NZ drivers’ licence

This is more than a legal management role. It’s an opportunity to build a career aligned with your values while still having time for your life outside work. If you are looking for a role where your leadership, experience and compassion can make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.

This role is being managed by Hanna Lowery from QJumpers HR Assist. For a confidential discussion please call 027 893 9358 or email hanna@qjumpers.co.nz