Graduate and Early Careers Specialist

About the role

Be the first point of contact for future lawyers, leading Chapman Tripp’s graduate recruitment programme across New Zealand. You will represent the firm on campuses, guide students through clerkships and support them into their first year of practice.

Key responsibilities

• Lead recruitment for clerkships, internships and graduate roles from sourcing to offer.
• Plan and deliver campus events, networking evenings and sponsored competitions.
• Partner with Graduate and Hiring Partners to shape recruitment strategy and coach interviewers.
• Build relationships with university career services, student groups, schools and community partners; manage sponsorships, scholarships and budgets.
• Support clerks and graduates throughout their journey, matching them to practice groups.
• Collaborate with junior lawyers, Marketing & Communications and People & Culture to deliver cohesive campaigns.
• Continuously improve recruitment processes, ensuring alignment with the brand and diversity goals.

Required profile

• Warm, energetic personality that puts students at ease.
• Comfortable presenting to both lecture theatres and partner meetings.
• Proactive, highly organised with strong project‑management abilities.
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder‑management and influencing skills.

Required skills

• Bachelor’s degree in law, commerce, human resources or a related field.
• Three or more years’ experience in graduate or talent recruitment, student engagement, event management, HR or legal practice.
• Proven project and event management capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with confidence presenting to student and partner audiences.

What we offer

• Inclusive, welcoming culture with supportive leadership.
• Competitive salary and benefits, including annual wellbeing allowance and healthcare.
• Opportunities to join arts & culture, sports, and regular team events.