Relationship Property & Life Planning Lawyer
Gibson Sheat is a Wellington regional law firm with nearly 90 staff and partners. That means we’re big enough to offer variety and opportunity, but small enough that you’ll never feel like a number. Our people are friendly, down to earth, and genuinely care about each other. Our culture is driven by values we live - being real, staying connected, being brave, and making their day.
We proudly serve a wide range of personal, business, and government clients. With offices in Wellington CBD, Lower Hutt, and Masterton, Gibson Sheat is a great place to work if you want it all – that is great work, a vibrant culture, and a good work/life balance.
We have a vacancy for a full time Relationship Property & Life Planning Lawyer in our Wellington office, (but if you like, you can work out of our Lower Hutt office a few days per week).
Our highly successful Life Planning practice area is experiencing a surge in Relationship Property and Elder law work. We’re looking for another committed Lawyer who wants to make a positive difference in their clients’ lives, to join this team.
In this role your key focus will be in Relationship Property. You will be involved in a broad range of relationship property matters including divorce applications, division of relationship property and contracting out agreements. You will also be involved in Estates and Trusts work, so no two days will be the same.
You will report to and be mentored by Jessie Hunt (Senior Associate) and be part of the wider Life Planning team.
We’re looking for someone who has all or most of the following:
- Has three or more years’ experience in Relationship Property. Ideally you will have a few years of experience in Estates and Trusts law too.
- Has exceptional people skills and is highly empathetic, as you’ll be dealing with clients who are going through some very difficult personal situations.
- Has the ability to distil complex concepts into plain English, when talking to your clients over the phone, when in meetings and through your written correspondence.
- Shows a lot of initiative, asks good questions, and has a strong work ethic, and
- Is team minded, has a “can do attitude” and enjoys working with a close-knit supportive team.
Why Gibson Sheat Lawyers?
While others expect you to give up your life, we expect you to have one! The successful applicant will enjoy:- An opportunity to build a long-term career in a well-respected well-known firm. We’ve been serving the region for nearly 100 years!
- A competitive remuneration package and staff profit share scheme.
- Regular training and development opportunities, both for work and life.
- A great workplace culture and the opportunity to join in many firm social events – we work hard, but we like to have a lot of fun too.
- A good work-life balance – and we’re open to flexible working arrangements, so tell us what’s important to you.
We seek and encourage a diverse range of candidates.
Applicants must be currently living in New Zealand and be eligible to work in New Zealand.
If you think you might be who we are looking for, please apply using the button below and upload your CV, covering letter and academic transcript by Friday 3 July 2026.