Graduate Solicitor Opportunities – Applications Now Open
Start your legal career with one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading law firms.
Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for Graduate Solicitor positions commencing late February 2027.
With offices in Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers across a broad range of practice areas while building the foundations of a successful legal career.
We’re looking for graduates who:
- Have completed (or are completing) their LLB.
- Have strong academic results and excellent communication skills.
- Are motivated, curious and enjoy working as part of a team.
- Have a connection to Hawke’s Bay or are keen to build their career in the region.
As part of your graduate programme, we’ll support you through your Professional Legal Studies (PROFS) if you haven’t already completed them.
To apply, please send your:
- Cover letter
- CV
- Academic transcript
to greg@gifforddevine.co.nz
Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026.
If you’re looking for a firm that offers genuine mentoring, early responsibility and the opportunity to build a long-term career in Hawke’s Bay, we’d love to hear from you.
Business Briefs
These business briefs cover the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2026 and how to manage the risks of using AI at work. They also explain why directors shouldn’t rely on AI-generated summaries of board papers. The last brief covers new reporting, liability and disclosure rules for consumer credit providers, now that the FMA regulates the CCCFA.
What’s in a name?
Generative AI can create professional-looking logos and slogans in seconds, for a fraction of the usual cost. However, AI-generated branding may not be distinctive enough to register as a trade mark, and it could even infringe someone else’s. Here’s what businesses should know before using AI to create their brand.
Big changes coming to holiday pay
The Employment Leave Act 2026 became law on 6 August 2026. It brings the biggest changes to employee leave since the Holidays Act 2003. Leave will be worked out by the hour, and staff will start earning it from their first day. The changes don’t take effect until August 2028, which gives employers time to update their payroll systems and employment agreements.
Trusts can protect assets
Trusts remain valuable estate planning tools, but a recent High Court case shows they offer no protection for assets bought with the proceeds of crime.
Review of adult decision-making capacity law
A major law reform is coming for how decisions are made on behalf of adults who can no longer make some decisions for themselves. Here’s what the Law Commission is recommending, and why.
When a DIY will goes wrong
A shop-bought DIY will kit seemed like a simple, low-cost way for Joan Bourne to divide her estate. One misunderstood legal term meant her executors ended up in the High Court.
Over the fence
This month’s rural round-up: the High Court confirms forestry directors can be personally liable for environmental damage, Budget 2026 boosts wilding pine control funding, and $400 million goes towards strengthening rural roads before disaster strikes.
Methamphetamine in farm worker accommodation
Farm owners providing worker accommodation are legal landlords, and methamphetamine contamination is a growing risk area to manage. Here’s what the law requires, why baseline testing matters, and how to protect yourself from disputes down the track.
New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement
The new NZ-India Free Trade Agreement leaves dairy largely out in the cold, but it could open real doors for red meat, horticulture, forestry and wool. Here’s what the deal means for rural New Zealand, and why success will come down to more than just the signing.
Graduate Solicitor Opportunities
Graduate Solicitor Opportunities – Applications Now Open
Start your legal career with one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading law firms.
Gifford Devine is now accepting applications for Graduate Solicitor positions commencing late February 2027.
With offices in Hastings, Havelock North, Napier and Waipawa, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers across a broad range of practice areas while building the foundations of a successful legal career.
We’re looking for graduates who:
As part of your graduate programme, we’ll support you through your Professional Legal Studies (PROFS) if you haven’t already completed them.
To apply, please send your:
to greg@gifforddevine.co.nz
Applications close Monday, 24 August 2026.
If you’re looking for a firm that offers genuine mentoring, early responsibility and the opportunity to build a long-term career in Hawke’s Bay, we’d love to hear from you.