Junior Family Lawyer – Grow With A Start Up Firm

Job description

Junior Family Lawyer – Grow with a Start-Up Firm$55–$60,000 per year + extra leave + time in lieuBe part of building a different kind of law firm – one with heart, high standards and start-up energy.Role SummaryAt Clean Break, we help people navigate one of life's hardest transitions – separations - with kindness, clarity, and respect.
As our Junior Lawyer/Law Clerk, you'll be a key part in making sure the advice we give to our clients is accurate, easily understood and doesn't inflame any delicate situations.
You'll be empowering people to make decisions they continue to feel good about in the years to come.We're looking for a junior lawyer (graduate – 1 year PQE) who wants to grow fast, be challenged, and help build something new.
If you're ready to hold yourself to high standards, learn quickly, and contribute to a values-driven practice, this could be the role for you.Start date: January **** (unless an earlier date is agreed).
What You'll DoFrom the start, you'll:Attend client meetingsCarry out legal research to support advice and strategyDraft agreements and letters in simple, human languageAssist in creating content (social posts, articles, resources) that turns complex concepts into simple toolsKeep (electronic) files, correspondence, and timelines organisedReflect our values in every conversation and every piece of adviceAs you become more experienced, you'll also:Deepen your expertise in relationship property law and trauma-informed practiceTake on greater responsibility for managing client matters, with supportContribute ideas and energy to how we grow and improve – your voice will shape our systems, culture, and client experienceStep into opportunities earlier than you might in a larger, traditional firmWhat You'll BringA law degree and admission to the bar in New Zealand (or your admission and profs in progress if you're a fresh graduate)Between 0–1 years' PQE.
A background in family law or relationship property is welcome, but not requiredStrong, compassionate communication skills – you can make the complex feel simple, and the painful feel a little lighterAttention to detail, matched with empathy and humilityA basic understanding of trauma, grief and how this affects usExperience in a client-facing role (legal, hospitality, admin - all welcome)A willingness to be intellectually stretched, to work to very high standards, and to grow quicklyComfort with modern tools (we're paper-light and tech-friendly)An interest to live and work in Nelson - a beautiful city with fantastic lifestyle opportunitiesAbove all, a heart for people and the belief that law can be a place of kindness and excellenceWhat We OfferThe energy of a fast-growing start-up where your role and career can expand quicklyA trauma-informed, values-driven workplace that puts people firstVery high professional standards, with close mentoring and feedback, and a comprehensive professional development plan, to help you grow into a fantastic lawyerDirect guidance from Sarah Moon, our founder – you'll work closely with her, and she'll challenge and support you to growAn extra week of paid leave each year (this work is intense, and rest matters)Time-in-lieu for overtime workedReasonable flexibility in your hours (client demands permitting) and the potential for hybrid work after 3 months.
We would be open to less than full-time hours for the right person.You'll be the third member of our team, ensuring your voice and presence truly matters as we build Clean Break into something beautifulA calm, plant-filled office in Nelson – a place where we work hard, but also feel good coming to every dayA culture built around our three values: help, never hurt; excel and improve; find the joyAbout Clean BreakClean Break is not your average law firm.
We launched in September ****, and we're growing quickly.
Our focus is helping people separate with dignity, and our approach is human before it is legal.The firm was founded by Sarah Moon, a lawyer who began her career in large national law firms (Bell Gully, Duncan Cotterill) before choosing a different path.
In ****, Sarah moved to Nelson for a better work/life balance – where she could do interesting, challenging work during the week, while still enjoying her evenings and weekends.
She has never looked back since.Sarah leads Clean Break with a balance of empathy and excellence.
She has high standards and will expect the same from you – but she'll also give you the mentoring, feedback, and encouragement to meet them.
This is a place where you will be supported to become an outstanding lawyer.Joining now means being part of the early team shaping something new in family law.
We have a start-up culture vs the normal law firm culture.
We're building, learning, and growing every day – and we'd love you to grow with us.How to ApplySend us a short CV and cover letter telling us who you are, why this role resonates with you and why we should hire you to be 33% of the Clean Break team.
We are familiar with AI outputs, so take care with the use of those tools.
Above all, be yourself.
We are a small team so a cultural fit is essential.We expect there to be a high level of interest in this role.
Applications will be reviewed in batches as they come in, and we may close the recruitment process early if we find the right person.
#J-*****-Ljbffr

Required Skill Profession

Other General