In‑House Legal Counsel – Banking & Finance

About the role

Westpac is seeking an experienced lawyer to join its Institutional and Business Banking legal team on a fixed‑term basis. The successful candidate will provide high‑quality legal support for a variety of lending and capital‑markets transactions, working closely with business units across New Zealand.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the internal legal stream on corporate financing, securitisations, project and asset financing, sustainable financing, bilateral and syndicated lending, and club arrangements.
• Negotiate agreements with professionals in multiple jurisdictions.
• Collaborate with the wider Westpac legal team and business stakeholders to ensure compliant and commercial outcomes.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) and a New Zealand practising certificate.
• Relevant experience in a New Zealand law firm or in‑house banking and finance team.
• Demonstrated ability to draft, negotiate and advise on complex financing documentation.

Required skills

• Knowledge of New Zealand banking and securities law.
• Familiarity with market‑standard lending documentation.
• Understanding of FMCA, AML/CFT, CCCFA, Reserve Bank regulations and related compliance requirements.
• Experience with general corporate and commercial legislation such as the Companies Act and Unfair Contract Terms.
• Strong legal drafting, negotiation, research and opinion‑writing abilities.

What we offer

• 4 weeks standard holiday plus 5 wellbeing days and additional purchased leave options.
• Banking benefits, insurance discounts and a superannuation scheme.
• Career growth programmes and internal promotion pathways.
• Generous parental leave, school‑holiday subsidy and volunteer days.