Are you a bit weird like that?
Do you genuinely enjoy the methodical, almost boring precision of property law, but secretly crave the high-stakes human drama of relationship breakdowns?
Most lawyers pick one or the other. Commercial and property practitioners often look at family files with sheer dread, while pure family practitioners sometimes glaze over when a forensic reconciliation of inter-mingled company accounts, trust capital advances, and Section 21 contracting-out agreements lands on their desk.
If you happen to be the rare, slightly unusual individual whose eyes light up at both, we want to talk to you.
About CWG Law
We are a fast-growing, dynamic law firm proudly based in the Waikato, serving our clients across relationship property, family, employment, and civil litigation. We do things a bit differently here:
Technology-forward: We invest heavily in modern practice management tools, clean automated workflows, and practical intelligence so you spend your energy on tactical analysis and courtroom advocacy, not manual rekeying or clunky administrative friction.
Supportive, low-ego team: We run a tight-knit, collaborative practice. You will work closely with Chris Grenfell on complex files, while having dedicated administrative support and a team that genuinely backs each other.
Great culture: We take our clients and our litigation seriously, but we do not take ourselves too seriously. A healthy sense of humour is essential.
The Role
Due to sustained growth across our contentious relationship property caseload, we are creating a dedicated role for a litigation lawyer with two or more years of post-qualification experience.
This is not a drafting-only role. While you will draft your share of comprehensive Section 21A agreements and complex separation packages, your primary focus will be contentious relationship property dispute resolution/litigation primarily in the Family Court.
There will also be some involvement in non-contentious matters such as contracting out agreements and effecting amicable settlement agreements.
What your caseload looks like:
Managing relationship property disputes from initial tactical advice through to settlement conferences, judicial settlement conferences, and defended hearings.
Forensic asset identification, company and trust valuation disputes, and economic disparity claims.
Interfacing with forensic accountants, valuers, and opposing counsel to achieve sensible, robust commercial outcomes without unnecessary posturing.
Drafting robust pleadings, affidavits, submissions, and structured s21A agreements.
Providing assistance to private and legal aid clients
Liaising with the wider team in delivery of a holistic service (the wider team deliver on the CoCA and FV needs of our clients)
Hybrid, Flexible, or Fully Remote
We care about quality work, responsiveness, and outcomes - once you know what you are doing we we are flexible on where you do it.
In office (our ideal): in our Morrinsville or Te Aroha office to brainstorm, attend hearings, and be part of the team culture.
Hybrid: As above, with the balance worked from home.
(For an exceptional candidate) Fully Remote: For the right, highly self-motivated practitioner with proven independence, exceptional file management, and strong communication – who resides outside of the (mighty) Waikato, we are genuinely open to an entirely remote working arrangement within New Zealand.
Flexibility: Full-time is preferred, but we will happily discuss structured part-time or flexible arrangements for an experienced practitioner balancing family or other commitments.
Court appearances: If remote, appearances can be handled via AVL or having one of the team appear – for a significant defended hearing (that would be impractical to brief) travel and accommodation can be arranged.
What You Will Bring
A minimum of 2 years PQE with meaningful exposure to relationship property matters and contentious litigation.
A current New Zealand practising certificate (or eligibility to hold one).
Legal Aid lead provider status (or a desire to work towards this)
Comfort running your own files with appropriate senior backup and collaboration.
An analytical mind that enjoys dissecting financial statements, trust structures, and property valuations.
Strong courtroom instincts, clear written drafting, and a pragmatic settlement focus.
High digital competence and an appetite for modern, tech-driven practice.
A good sense of humour, high emotional intelligence, and resilience when dealing with heightened interpersonal conflict.
What We Offer
Competitive remuneration: Market salary commensurate with your experience and capability, with regular structured reviews.
Real collaboration: Direct senior sounding board with Chris, without micromanagement. All with the support of a wider team who specialise in the nitty-gritty family law work (CoCA and FV etc.).
Top-tier systems: Practical administrative and operational support so you can concentrate on lawyering.
Autonomy and growth: Work that is genuinely challenging, diverse, and commercially interesting.
How to Apply
If you are ready to apply your peculiar appreciation of property spreadsheets and relationship drama in a modern, supportive environment, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your CV and a brief note telling us about your background, your litigation experience, and what working arrangement suits you best.