Are you a talented senior associate or associate with 5+ years’ experience seeking to advance your career? Martelli McKegg is looking for a dedicated person to join our specialist private client team. 

About the Team

We are a nationally and internationally recognised four-partner team specialising in all aspects of private client law. The team includes solicitors, legal executives and support staff at a range of levels.  There is room for progression for the right applicant, and the opportunity to collaborate with other teams in the firm, particularly our litigation team in respect of dispute work. For the right candidate, a hybrid work arrangement combining in-office and remote work may be available.

We foster a supportive environment and have a heavy focus on training. You will be encouraged to take ownership of files, while knowing that there are experienced partners and other solicitors around to help when needed.

General

A Senior Associate or Associate within the Trusts and Estates / Private Client team plays a key role in advising on complex private client matters, working autonomously on files while supporting partners, mentoring junior lawyers, and contributing to the growth and development of the firm's practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Advising on the establishment, variation, restructuring, administration and winding up of trusts, including charitable trusts.
• Providing advice to executors, trustees and beneficiaries as to their rights, duties and obligations.
• Preparing and advising on wills, living wills and enduring powers of attorney.
• Transactional property work arising from trust and estate work, including transmissions, transfers and refinances.
• Estate administration, including the administration of complex or litigious estates.
• Identifying and advising on relationship property issues as they intersect with trust and estate planning, including asset characterisation, structuring and risk management (with support/ supervision of specialist team members where appropriate).
• Advising on occupation right agreements.
• Providing support to the litigation team and external barristers in respect of complex trust disputes and estate litigation matters.
• Supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and support staff.
• Building and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Contributing to and leading business development initiatives and internal projects (such as development of team precedents and policies, writing blogs and articles).
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the firm as a committed and reliable team member.
• Demonstrating and reinforcing the firm's values of honesty and integrity through ethical practice, sound judgment and professional leadership.

Key Competencies

• Technical excellence in all areas of private client practice.
• Excellent drafting skills.
• Ability to run files autonomously with minimal supervision.
• Strong knowledge of relevant laws and legislation, including the Trusts Act, Family Protection Act, Administration Act, Law Reform (Testamentary Promises) Act, Property (Relationships) Act and related legislation.
• Commercial acumen.
• Great communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with referrers of work to the firm, such as other lawyers, accountants and financial advisers.
• A proactive approach to client service and business development.
• Holds (or is working towards) the STEP Diploma.

About Us

Our professional, approachable team will offer you challenging work, good mentoring and the latest technology.

Martelli McKegg is a leading mid-sized law firm located in Commercial Bay, Downtown Auckland. We offer the benefits of a strong and growing client base, quality work and the opportunity for individual advancement.

Our clients range from personal clients through to large scale property developers and international corporates.

If you're ready to take the next step contact us today and make this role yours.