Work for us
The Real Estate Authority (REA)
REA is a strong organisation with an exciting future. We are based in Wellington, and we employ more than 50 people across a range of roles. We are all 100% committed to delivering a better real estate experience for Kiwis.
Our people work in complaint resolution, licensing, operations, investigations, law and marketing communications.
Our values
We are professional
We act with integrity. We respect each other and those we interact with. We take responsibility and hold ourselves and others to account.
We are proactive
We are energetic, courageous and committed. We use innovation and expertise to improve New Zealand’s real estate industry.
Our people matter
We build strong and positive relationships with the people we work with. We develop our people and share our combined expertise to create outcomes we are proud of.
Vacancies
Legal Services Manager
About REA
The Real Estate Authority (REA) is the independent government agency that regulates the New Zealand real estate industry.
Our aim is to promote and protect the interests of consumers involved in real estate transactions and to promote a high standard of professionalism and service in the industry. As a small regulator, REA is a responsive and agile work environment. The ability to quickly adapt to changes in the sector, along with our fun and supportive team culture, add to the attraction of this role.
About the role/team
The role sits in the Legal Team.
The Legal Services Manager reports to the General Counsel and is responsible for managing up to four solicitors, REA’s litigation, working with our Complaints Assessment Committees and provide key advice on regulatory matters of the REA. The Legal Services Manager will also play a vital role in our relationship with external counsel.
The ideal candidate will have proven skills in dispute resolution, active litigation management, the provision of high-quality legal advice, and staff management and mentoring. They will be confident and capable, and able to make sound decisions on complex legal issues under time pressures. They will be well organised, have a high degree of initiative and drive, excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills.
Key responsibilities include:
-
Effectively managing the provision of legal services by the Legal Team including day-to-day litigation management and high-quality legal advice in REA’s operational, public-law decision making and licensing functions.
-
Building a strong and effective working relationship with our Complaint Assessment Committee members, external counsel on litigation matters, and across REA.
-
Developing and providing training to Complaints Assessment Committees and REA staff on legislative compliance and legal issues that relate to REA’s regulatory environment.
-
Demonstrating and promoting REA’s values, including the ’Our People Matter’ philosophy of increased collaboration and proactively working across REA and with key external stakeholders.
We are looking for the following qualification, skills and experience
To be considered for an interview for this important role with REA you must be an experienced senior legal practitioner and hold a current practising certificate. You will have recent significant experience in dispute resolution, managing litigation, leading and mentoring a team in the area of litigation. Ideally, you will have worked in a regulatory environment.
This is an opportunity to be a part of a new enthusiastic and collegial team where the work is fast-paced, diverse and interesting. We have a culture of innovation and collaboration. Team members have commented on the challenging and stimulating work and the huge variety it holds. We invite you to join them.
Please forward a cover letter, resume, copy of your practicing certificate and a completed application form to recruitment@rea.govt.nz.
Download the full job description here.
Download the application form here.
Applications close on 27 February 2019.