Legal Counsel

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Hato Hone St John is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their Auckland in-house team, reporting to the General Counsel. The role covers a broad portfolio including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, medico-legal matters, governance and privacy, offering meaningful, commercially oriented work in a purpose-driven organisation. Ideal candidates hold a NZ practising certificate, at least 3 years PQE, and a track record advising in a complex, multi-stakeholder setting with some in-house experience. In your application, highlight practical, solutions‑focused advice, commercial judgement and cross-team collaboration, plus any governance, privacy or regulatory exposure. To apply by 18 February 2026, click I’m interested or contact Lindsey Frankland at 027 309 8372 for details; and apply even if your experience isn’t a perfect match.

Company Description

Ko wai mātou - About us:

Hato Hone St John has been serving New Zealanders since 1885. Today, our 11,000-strong team of kaimahi and volunteers work across Aotearoa to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities. From responding to 111 calls to supporting people to stay healthy through our mahi in health education, access, and monitoring, we are making life-changing differences every day.

Job Description

He aha te tūranga - About the role: 

Due to an internal promotion, we have an opportunity for a Legal Counsel to join our small, highly capable in-house Legal team. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role provides high-quality, practical legal advice and support across a broad and interesting portfolio, helping ensure Hato Hone St John meets its legal obligations and manages organisational risk.

The Legal team supports the organisation across a wide range of matters, and this role offers exposure to complex and meaningful legal work within a unique, purpose-driven environment. You’ll work closely with senior lawyers, building your capability while contributing to real-world outcomes that impact communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

This role is well suited to a lawyer looking to deepen their in-house experience, develop strong commercial judgement, and work across a diverse legal landscape with appropriate support and mentoring. The Legal Counsel will work on a wide range of issues including:

• Commercial & contractual arrangements
• Regulatory & compliance issues
• Medico-legal issues
• Governance
• Privacy

Qualifications

Ko wai koe - About you:

You are a capable and motivated lawyer who enjoys working collaboratively and is keen to develop your in-house legal career within a complex organisation.

You will bring:

• A law degree and a current New Zealand practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one)
• Minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience
• A track record of providing advice and managing legal issues within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment (some in-house experience preferred).
• An ability to provide clear, practical and solutions-focused legal advice
• Strong analytical and critical reasoning skills
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Additional Information

Me pēhea te tuku tono - How to apply

Click “I’m interested” before applications close on Wednesday 18th February 2026.

For further information please contact Lindsey Frankland on 027 309 8372.

At Hato Hone St John, we embrace diversity, welcoming everyone to bring their authentic selves to work. We value unique perspectives, fostering inclusivity to better serve our communities, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone belongs.

E pōhiritia nei e mātou, te whānau o Hato Hone St John, ngā rereketanga o ia tāngata ki te haramai. E āwhinatia e mātou i ngā whakaaro rereke, kia mahi pai i roto i ngā hāpori katoa. Ko ta mātou nei haepapa, kia hangaia tātahi āhuru mōwai mā tātou, kia mahi haumaru ai.

If you need accommodations for accessibility, please reach out to the recruiter listed for equitable participation in our recruitment process.

Research shows that women and people from under-represented groups are less likely to apply for roles when their experience doesn’t match the job description perfectly. If you’re excited and think you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Even if your experience doesn’t align 100%. Please apply or contact the recruitment advisor listed on the advertisement for a kōrero.