We are hiring! Senior Lawyer - Climate & Energy Transition
Lawyers for Climate Action is seeking a senior lawyer for a fixed-term of 7-8 months to lead and expand our ongoing work programme focused on reducing New Zealand’s reliance on oil and gas, and driving Aotearoa New Zealand’s net-zero energy transition. With significant energy and climate policy choices facing New Zealand’s next government, this is a pivotal and exciting time to join our work in this space.
This role continues our work 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. There is also an opportunity to work across other ongoing work programmes relevant to climate law in New Zealand and internationally.
This role suits candidates with litigation experience, a strategic mindset, the ability to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, and a passion to support New Zealand’s net zero transition. Critically, a successful candidate will need to be a proactive self-starter: this role provides the opportunity to develop and lead a workstream, manage relationships with key stakeholders, and advise senior and executive leaders.
Please read the full application instructions and job description at this link below. Applications are due by 31 October 2026, and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis from time of application. If you have questions about the role or would like to discuss anything before applying, please email laura@lawyersforclimateaction.nz or jessica@lawyersforclimateaction.nz
Lawyers for Climate Action New Zealand is a registered charity that uses the law to drive effective action on climate change. Founded as a volunteer organisation in 2019, 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.