Graduate and Early Careers Specialist

Be the first face of Chapman Tripp for New Zealand's next generation of lawyers.

For law students, the path to a career begins long before an offer letter. It starts with the first conversation on campus, and the first sense of whether a firm feels like somewhere they could belong. As our Graduate and Early Careers Specialist, you will be central to that experience.

You will lead our graduate recruitment programme, representing the firm on campus nationally, and guiding students and graduates through clerkship programmes and into their first year of practice.

This is a pivotal role within a collaborative People & Culture team, with strong Partner support and genuine scope to shape how we attract and welcome emerging talent. You will work with some of the best legal minds in the country, and with the next generation who will join them.

The role

Lead recruitment across clerkships, internships and graduate roles, from sourcing through to offer

Plan and deliver campus and firm events, networking evenings and sponsored competitions to a consistently high standard

Partner with Graduate and Hiring Partners to shape recruitment strategy, coaching on best-practice interviewing and assessment

Build strong relationships with university careers services, student groups, schools and community partners, and manage our sponsorships, scholarships and associated budgets

Support clerks and graduates throughout their journey, getting to know each person and helping match them to the practice groups where they will do their best work

Work closely with our junior lawyers, Marketing & Communications, and People & Culture teams to deliver a cohesive, authentic campaign

Continuously improve our recruitment processes and systems so they remain current, efficient and aligned with our employment brand and commitment to diversity and inclusion

About you

You are naturally warm and energetic, and people feel at ease with you. Students are drawn to your enthusiasm and passion for the firm, and you care about seeing each of them succeed.

You are equally comfortable in a lecture theatre and a Partners' meeting, adjusting your style to suit the audience while always representing the Firm professionally.

You are proactive, highly organised, and enjoy the detail of running multiple projects and events at once.

You are a confident communicator, and you know how to build credibility, steer decisions and keep stakeholders on track.

What you will bring

A bachelor's degree in law, commerce, human resources or a similar field

Ideally three or more years' experience in graduate or talent recruitment, student engagement, event management, HR or legal practice

Proven project and event management skills, with the ability to manage several workstreams at once

Excellent verbal and written communication, and confidence presenting to both student and Partner audiences

Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills

Sound judgement, composure under pressure and a collaborative, can-do approach

Experience in a legal or professional services environment is beneficial

Working for Chapman Tripp

Inclusive, welcoming culture and supportive leadership

Competitive salary and benefits package including annual wellbeing allowance and healthcare

Groups and activities to suit your interests: arts & culture, sports, regular team and firm events for connection

We are a collaborative workplace of smart, passionate and hardworking people, united by a commitment to excellence. Work for Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest legal partnership and enjoy a firm which has the resources and structures in place for you to do your best work; as well as people who are caring, inclusive and authentic.

Ready to be the first face for our future lawyers?

Apply online today, or for a confidential discussion about the role, contact Sam Moodley, Talent Acquisition Specialist, at [email protected] or 09 357 9014.