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.
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.
Property briefs
In the latest “Property Briefs” article, we highlight two court cases involving property disputes: a right of way driveway easement dispute and a cross-lease redevelopment dispute.
Revised Law Association Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate
The revised Law Association Agreement for Sale and Purchase features new warranties for building work and unaltered forms, updated finance and OIO conditions, and altered compensation claims.
Structuring your development and considerations for buyers in new subdivisions
Modern developers use residents’ societies, unit titles, or land covenants to manage new subdivisions. We take a closer look at the benefits and challenges of each type of agreement.