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.
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.
Budget 2026
Taking a look at Budget 2026, including the focus on a return to surplus by 2028-29, and major spending on health, education, infrastructure, and fuel cost relief.
Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill
A closer look at anticipated changes within the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, focusing on reduced compliance for small firms and new critical risk standards
Business briefs
Updates on NZ unconscionable conduct enforcement, foreign investment reform, new privacy rules, and key employment law changes.
Over the fence
We take a look at: the new biosecurity action plan from the Ministry of Primary Industries; a new ‘gateway test’ to determine whether an individual is an employee or a contractor in terms of employment law; and Wills and Enduring Power of Attorney – and the importance of both for the rural sector.