Senior Legal Counsel

About the role

This newly created Senior Legal Counsel position at AA Insurance offers a high‑visibility, business‑facing role within a fast‑growing, regulated environment. Reporting to the General Counsel and Company Secretary, you will work closely with senior leaders to provide pragmatic legal support across insurance, commercial, regulatory and operational matters.

Key responsibilities

• Provide clear, pragmatic legal advice on insurance and corporate matters.
• Ensure compliance with the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act, Financial Markets Conduct Act and Fair Trading Act.
• Assist the General Counsel with governance and Board‑related issues.
• Advise on contentious and non‑contentious customer and contractual matters.
• Support business initiatives such as product development, partnerships and marketing activities.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on business impacts.
• Manage relationships with external legal counsel when required.
• Build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving legal processes and ways of working.

Required profile

• An LLB and a current New Zealand practising certificate, or eligibility to obtain one.
• 7+ years post‑qualification experience in private practice or in‑house.
• Experience in insurance, financial services or another regulated environment.
• Experience advising on claims, disputes and litigation is an advantage.
• Proven ability to deliver commercially focused, easy‑to‑understand legal advice.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence working with senior leaders.
• Sound judgement, integrity and a pragmatic approach.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously.

Required skills

• Legal research and analysis.
• Regulatory compliance interpretation.
• Contract drafting and review.

What we offer

• A collaborative, well‑regarded legal team where your contribution is visible.
• Opportunity to shape legal service delivery in a respected New Zealand organisation.
• Broad exposure to transformation initiatives, product development and regulatory change.