Senior Lawyer - Climate & Energy Transition

Lawyers for Climate Action is seeking a fixed-term lawyer to lead a new programme of work focused on reducing Aotearoa New Zealand’s reliance on oil and gas, and driving our clean energy transition.

This is an exciting new role in a growing, high-impact organisation, and will suit someone who is a self-starter, has relevant legal experience, and a strong desire to support New Zealand's net-zero and clean energy future.

Lawyers for Climate Action NZ Inc is a registered charity that uses the law to drive effective action on climate change. We work collaboratively with other organisations and experts, and seek to use and influence the law by:

• Bringing and supporting strategic climate litigation
• Shaping the development of more effective climate laws and policies
• Empowering communities by bringing pro bono legal muscle to climate action
• Building and educating a community of climate-conscious lawyers

For more information about the job and instructions for how to apply, please see the full job description and application details here: www.lawyersforclimateaction.nz/news-events/hiring-climate-energy-transition-lawyer

Key Responsibilities

This role will focus on developing and pursuing legal pathways that both accelerate New Zealand’s transition to clean energy and reduce our long-term reliance on fossil fuels, in line with Lawyers for Climate Action’s charitable purposes and strategy.

The successful candidate will drive two core work streams, focused on:

(1) scaling down New Zealand's reliance on oil and gas, including analysing decisions relating to oil and gas permits and subsidies; and

(2) accelerating the clean-energy transition by considering legal and regulatory blockers that are holding back the transition, and developing clear, practical proposals and advice for Lawyers for Climate Action.

Across these two work streams, the successful candidate will:

• act as an in-house lawyer for Lawyers for Climate Action on energy transition matters, including producing legal opinions and option papers on different advocacy options for the LCANZI leadership and board;
• inform and support Lawyers for Climate Action's advocacy and engagement with government, partners, and the public;
• contribute to policy submissions and public communications;
• grow and develop networks with key players in the climate, NGO and energy sectors;
• report to Lawyers for Climate Action's Executive Director, and work closely with our volunteer network, external counsel, and partners across civil society, NGOs, and the energy sector.

We’re looking for someone who:

• cares about climate change, the energy transition, and is excited by the opportunity to help Lawyers for Climate Action make a real difference in this area.
• has a law degree and at least 4-5y PQE. We are open to candidates with more experience, including those who want to join on a part-time or contractor basis.
• has experience in one or more of: litigation; public/administrative law; energy law; environmental/resource management law; international, trade or human rights law; climate change law or regulation. Experience in energy, electricity and/or climate law would be an advantage, but is not essential.
• has excellent oral and written communication skills.
• is a great networker and has sharp advocacy skills.
• has demonstrated experience working in coalitions and with a diverse range of people and groups.
• is a team player but also a proactive self-starter, capable of working flexibly.
• has strong strategic thinking skills, with an ability to understand the bigger picture of New Zealand’s climate and energy response and the role of small climate NGOs, like Lawyers for Climate Action, in driving constructive change.
• demonstrates a high standard of professional behaviours, including collaboration, honesty, and integrity.
• has knowledge of and shares our commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori.
• is qualified to practice law in New Zealand.

Key Details:

• Hours: Negotiable; open to both part-time and full-time.
• Contract Type: Fixed-Term until 30 November 2026, with the possibility of extension
• Location: Auckland/Wellington, but we are open to remote work for the right candidate. Our office is in Auckland.
• The actual job description will be fine-tuned to suit the skills and experience of the preferred applicant

Requirements for application.

If you’re interested in applying, please send us:

• Your CV.
• A cover letter outlining why you want to work at Lawyers for Climate Action, and why you think you’re a great fit for the role.
• Two referees.
• Your preferred start date.
• A writing sample (this could be an article you’ve written or a piece of work you have done. It doesn’t need to be a legal document).

Please email your application to jessica@lawyersforclimateaction.nz

Equal Opportunities

We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, sexuality or relationship status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief or gender.