Experienced Legal Assistant

Willis Legal is a long‑established, progressive legal practice with two offices across Te Matau‑a‑Māui/Hawke’s Bay, delivering excellent service to our large and diverse client base. We are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant to join our team based in our Napier office (Willis House, Dickens Street).

About the role

This is a varied, fast‑paced and highly valued position within the Willis Legal team. As a Legal Assistant, you will play a key role in supporting your allocated authors with document preparation, client communication, file management, and general administrative support. No two days will be the same. In addition, you will collaborate across the wider firm to support the smooth day‑to‑day running of our legal practice and deliver an exceptional client experience.

Role responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing, editing and formatting legal documents, letters of engagement and correspondence;

• Managing client communications and handling new and existing client queries;

• Opening, maintaining and closing client files using our practice management and document management systems;

• Assisting with scheduling, diary management and general administration;

• Providing support across the team during busy periods; and

• Ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently in a dynamic environment.

About you

You’ll bring proven experience as a legal administrator, legal secretary or PA, ideally within a New Zealand law firm or a professional services environment. You are organised, proactive, detail‑focused and comfortable managing multiple priorities at once.

You will also have:

• Client‑focused, professional, and friendly communicator;

• Confident working independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment;

• Sound understanding of legal processes, terminology, and client confidentiality; and

• Tech‑savvy problem‑solver with a positive, enthusiastic team mindset.

This is a full‑time role, working 8.30 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.

About us

Willis Legal is an inclusive and collaborative law firm with modern offices in Napier and Hastings.  We use cloud-based technology: Actionstep, NetDocuments, Mitimes and VXT as our phone system.  We have an active Social Club and a fun firm culture.

Our values are Tūturutanga (Authentic), Whanaugatanga (Team), Mana Tangata (Pride), Whakatupuranga (Growth) and Iho Matua (Mindful), which we embrace and demonstrate across all aspects of our firm.

If this sounds like you or you want to know more about Willis Legal, check out our website: www.willislegal.co.nz and our social media platforms: https://www.facebook.com/willislegal https://www.instagram.com/willislegal/ https://nz.linkedin.com/company/willislegal

To apply

To apply, please upload a cover letter and your CV. There is no closing date; however, suitable applicants will be interviewed when applications are received, so don’t delay in applying. 

For any questions, please contact Alison Donovan, General Manager, for a confidential discussion: [email protected]  or 022 172 2122.