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Perpetual Guardian is one of New Zealand's largest and leading providers of Personal Trustee and Estate Administration services. We’ve helped thousands of Kiwis meet their unique asset protection and preservation needs, from the simple to the complex. Through expert trust and asset planning, formation, and management services spanning generations, we’ve established ourselves as industry leaders and, most importantly, as trusted partners to our clients.

We are seeking an experienced Legal Counsel to join our award-winning and highly regarded Legal Services Team. This is an opportunity for a motivated practitioner to build their brand and capability.

This role is responsible for the provision of in-house legal advice, (including legal drafting services), in relation to Personal Trustee and Estate Planning and Administration according to governing legislation and Perpetual Guardian's Best Practice.

Our Head Office is based in Auckland, but we welcome applications from candidates located anywhere in New Zealand.

About the Role This is a full-time, permanent position with the PCS Legal Services team. This role requires you to provide high-quality support to the Branches and other in-house teams. These include but are not limited to e-dealing in conveyance matters, preparation of finance and security documents, and estate planning, including drafting Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Family Trust creation. You will be involved with building strong internal and external client relationships.

Application DeadlineApril 24, 2026DepartmentLegal and EstatesEmployment TypePermanent - Full TimeLocationAuckland Head OfficeWorkplace typeOnsiteReporting ToTheresa Donnelly

Key Responsibilities

• Provision of legal advice to the front line
• Preparation of legal documents for estate, trust, agency and PPPR matters
• Build strong relationships with internal clients, displaying a high level of "client care"
• Display professional practice management and skills, including:
• Systematic file management,
• Proactively managing risks as they arise,
• Undertake relevant professional development to understand and update necessary knowledge and abilities

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• LLB (required)
• Current Practicing Certificate
• A minimum of three years relevant experience in a legal or quasi-legal environment
• Experience in will drafting, trust and estate administration
• Legal conveyancing experience, including sound knowledge of and experience with Landonline searching and e-dealing
• Displays a high standard of written and oral skills
• Sound knowledge of trust structures and related documents
• Demonstrated high standards of literacy and accuracy
• Land transfer and conveyancing work, especially as it relates to trust establishment
• High customer service ethic

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with Wealth Management Experts in New Zealand – career growth and training opportunities. This role can be a gateway into the specialised industry of wealth protection.
• Health and Life Insurance Cover*
• Discounts on company products – including free will!
• Discounts on products and services through commercial business partners such as gym membership discounts etc.

*eligibility criteria apply. Next Steps Applications must include an up to date CV as well as a Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria above and why this role interests you.

We will accept applications up until 25 April 2026, though we will commence interviews as we see suitable candidates coming through.

Please note that we will not be providing feedback on applications before the interview stage.

Note: Only candidates who are legally entitled to work in New Zealand will be considered. Previous applicants need not apply.

About Perpetual Guardian

Perpetual Guardian Group is the largest non-Government philanthropic entity in Aotearoa and the leading provider of fiduciary services in New Zealand. Through the provision of expert trust, asset planning and investment management across generations of New Zealanders, we've become leaders in the industry and, most importantly, trusted partners with our clients.

We are specialists in providing Wills, Trusts and Enduring Powers of Attorney.  We understand the sensitive nature of Wills, supporting grieving families, helping to plan estates and achieve financial goals.

Source: 4dayweek.io