We are looking for an in-house solicitor.
EDS has a significant litigation programme focussing on high profile matters that set important legal precedents. For example, in 2014, EDS successfully advocated for environmental bottom lines in the Supreme Court decision EDS v King Salmon. That case resulted in a sea-change in RMA interpretation which is now being implemented in upcoming legislation. EDS was back in the Supreme Court defending environmental bottom lines last month.
You will be at the coal-face of these cases, which span the country and cover a diverse range of topics. You will undertake site visits, develop legal arguments, draft proceedings, engage experts and appear for EDS at mediations and before Council and Court hearings. The role also involves drafting submissions on law and policy changes. You will work closely with EDS’s network of external legal and expert professionals and be supported in-house by EDS’s management team, which includes experienced RMA lawyers. EDS is a small but high performing team and we all work closely together.
The role is exciting, challenging and varied. While it is primarily in-house counsel, there is an opportunity to ‘make it your own’. Previous in-house counsel have developed their interests and expanded that function, including through appointments to Government advisory panels on law and policy. There are also opportunities for secondments to law firms, travel and professional development, including attendance at EDS and other conferences.
Given the range and pace of work you will have a sharp intellect, be highly self-motivated and be adaptable. Ideally, you will have 2-4 years’ experience in resource management law, although EDS will consider candidates outside of that range including recent law graduates. You will be based full time in EDS’s Auckland office, although EDS will consider flexible working and part-time arrangements for the right candidate. Salary is negotiable. Please apply in confidence by sending your curriculum vitae and academic transcript to shay@eds.org.nz by 23 September 2022.