Lead Solicitor

Our purpose | To tatou kaupapa 

We are the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Aotearoa New Zealand’s independent environmental regulator. Our role is important: to help protect our country’s unique way of life by looking out for the health of its environment, its economy and its people.  

Our kaupapa is about making the right decisions based on evidence, mātauranga, and science. At the EPA, we encourage big ideas and bold goals.  

What we achieve today helps shape the future of New Zealand for generations to come.  

About our group | Mō te roopu 

The Legal Group supports the EPA in delivering its legal and regulatory obligations and strategic direction. It provides specialist advice to identify and manage legal risk and promote excellent regulatory practice. 

About the role | Mō te tūnga  

This role is based in our Wellington office. While we're able to consider work-from-home arrangements, this role is not designed for full-time remote working.  

The Lead Solicitor is a member of the Legal leadership team, shaping, leading, and managing a high performing in-house legal function.  The Lead Solicitor manages a team of solicitors and senior solicitors while providing expert legal advice and support. 

About you | Mōhou ake  

We are looking for someone with a range of skills and experience – if you have some or all of the below, we would love to hear from you. 

• 10+ years’ experience PQE as a lawyer  

• Seasoned professional experience in the public sector, private practice or as in-house advisor.  

• Quick learner and adaptable 

• Proven background in producing quality legal services, helpful to have experience in environmental, public and/or commercial law. 

• Experience litigating or with litigation management is desirable. 

• Demonstrated leadership and people management and operational management skills 

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to provide accurate, timely, practical, solutions-focused legal advice  

• Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to think strategically and drive high performance 

What’s in it for you | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou 

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA: 

• flexible working culture 

• three additional paid leave days between Christmas and New Years in addition to four weeks’ annual leave 

• $400 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home 

• an annual paid EPA Environment Day to support the community with environmental initiatives 

• in-house Māori cultural capability building programme  

• learning opportunities, including the annual EPA Symposium  

• active and lively social club, and diverse groups and support networks  

• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort 

Salary range 

$147,688 - $221,532 per annum (midpoint $184,610).  

This is the full salary range of the band, from 80% - 120%. Appointments will generally be made at or below the midpoint of this range, depending on skills and experience. 

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono  

Complete the online application form and submit your CV and a covering letter.  

Please note: your covering letter is an important part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your experience relates to this role, and why you applied. Tell us about you, your values and/or whakapapa.  

View the Position description.

For more information, please contact recruit@epa.govt.nz or check out the careers section of our website www.epa.govt.nz/careers. 

We are open to supporting inter agency secondments. If possible, please discuss the prospect of joining us with your current manager, before submitting your application. 

Applications close | Rā Katinga  

Monday 5pm, 14 September 2026