Lead Solicitor

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

The Lead Solicitor role at the Environmental Protection Authority is a fixed term position of six months in Wellington with onsite work. You will lead the Legal Group, manage solicitors, and provide expert, practical legal guidance to support the EPA’s regulatory work. Requirements include 10+ years PQE with public, private practice or in-house background, proven experience in environmental, public, litigation or commercial law, and familiarity with EPA powers and legislation, along with strong people management and analytical skills. Salary ranges from $144,338 to $216,508 with additional benefits. To apply, submit online with CV and a tailored covering letter linking your experience to the role and your whakapapa. Applications close 5pm 15 February 2026; early review may occur.

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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 on its legal and regulatory obligations and strategic direction, provides specialist advice on issues affecting the core functions of the EPA, and legal advice and support across the organisation relating to the identification and management of legal risk, legislative stewardship, governance, and the promotion of good regulatory practice. 

 

About the role | Mō te tūnga  

 

This is a fixed term role for just over 6 months  

 

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, litigation and/or commercial law. 

• Experience in working with legislation related to the EPA’s powers and functions 

• Demonstrated 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 laterally and apply knowledge to multifaceted scenarios  

 

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

 

There are extra benefits to working at the EPA: 

• join a happy and motivated team making a difference 

• $200 non-taxable payment to help you set up working at home 

• in-house Māori cultural capability building programme  

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

• EPA awards recognising individual and team effort 

 

Salary range |   

 

$144,338 - $216,508 per annum (midpoint $180,423).  

 

This is the full salary range. Appointments are made within the 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 [email protected] 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  

5pm, Sunday 15 February 2026 

 

We will review applications as they are submitted and may begin our selection process prior to the end of the application stage.