Solicitor - Restructuring and Insolvency

Solicitor - Restructuring and Insolvency (2+ Years’ PQE)

This is a rare opportunity to join one of New Zealand's top-tier restructuring and insolvency practices at a time of genuine growth.  You will work on varied, challenging and high-value work alongside a collaborative team that genuinely invests in people and will support you to grow and develop.

This is a non-litigation role for a curious and commercially minded lawyer who is keen to learn and develop specialist expertise.  If you have transactional and advisory experience in property, corporate and/or banking, ideally with some exposure to distressed work and are interested in expanding your skillset, we're keen to hear from you.

About the opportunity
We are looking for a solicitor to join our restructuring and insolvency team in Auckland, part of our wider financial services practice, working alongside partner Scott Abel and senior associate Mace Gorringe.

You will have a broad and stimulating mix of work, including acting for insolvency practitioners on formal appointments and distressed M&A transactions, for banks and other creditors on a wide range of security and enforcement, intercreditor and priority issues, balance sheet structuring and restructuring exercises and much more.  It is a mix of advisory and transactional work, often fast-paced.

What we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who is switched on, adaptable and willing to learn.  You don't need to have specific experience in insolvency law, however a genuine interest in the area and motivation to grow are important.  You’ll be well supported as you build expertise in restructuring and insolvency, with access to senior lawyers who are committed to mentoring, feedback and practical development.

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

• Around 2-5 years' PQE in private practice in New Zealand or another Commonwealth jurisdiction
• Experience in negotiated debt, property, corporate or commercial transactions with exposure to security work, such as security and intercreditor aspects of transactions, or security enforcement
• Some familiarity with the PPSA and Property Law Act, in a security context
• An interest in insolvency and restructuring (experience is a bonus)
• A genuinely generalist mindset. You will enjoy varied work and be comfortable working across different areas, including M&A, all manner of debt and security work, legal and often strategic advisory, bespoke commercial arrangements and will be able to spot issues and apply legal principles across diverse scenarios.
• Commercial smarts, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to think on your feet and find solutions.

Why Buddle Findlay?

A career with us means working with people who are motivated to help shape the future of business in New Zealand.  We offer market competitive salary and a range of benefits to help you be your best, including ongoing professional and personal development, flexible working practices, health insurance, a wellbeing allowance, social events, charity initiatives, and wellbeing-focused programmes.

This is an opportunity for the right person to make the step up to a top tier team in one of New Zealand's best law firms.  Our Restructuring and Insolvency team is top ranked at the highest level with each of Chambers Asia-Pacific, Legal 500 Asia-Pacific and IFLR1000.

Ready to make your mark?
If you’re excited by the prospect of joining a leading practice, learning, and making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV, cover letter and academic transcript via the apply button or contact Jill McLisky, talent attraction specialist on +64 9 363 0607 for a confidential chat.