Diversity & Belonging

At Simpson Grierson we like that everyone is different. We encourage you to bring your whole-self to work as we believe that diversity enhances our business.
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Our focus is to ensure Simpson Grierson is a place where people are given every opportunity to succeed on their merits. Diversity alone is not enough. We want our people to feel included with a sense of belonging and purpose to be comfortable expressing ideas, sharing experience and contributing knowing their input is valued.
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We have numerous initiatives to make this a reality including:

• comprehensive flexible working polices for all people
• first class technology systems which allow full access to remote working anywhere
• active support of our internal communities through our ‘Find your people’ networks
• a comprehensive wellness programme which includes monthly topics such as parenting issues and health and well-being
• paid parental leave for both men and women
• gender equality across remuneration and leadership development
• internships for students from Waikato-Tainui and Ngāi Tahu iwi, and through the Tupu Toa programme

Wellbeing

We look after our people and work hard to create a welcoming and safe workplace environment.  Our comprehensive wellbeing programme has a strong emphasis on positive mental health, and provides the tools and resources for our people to achieve balance, connect with each other, and thrive.

Balance

Our people have flexibility of their role, their leave, their day and their place:

• We offer flexible work hours, including a leave of absence, part-time work, job-sharing and leave without pay
• Our ‘Dress for your day’ approach allows you to be flexible with what you wear to work, based on your work activities each day (formal/smart casual attire)
• ‘SG day’ - an additional day of leave
• We offer flexi leave - allowing you to acquire additional annual leave
• We offer immediate recognition rewards when we just can't thank you enough for the work you've done

Thrive

We have many initiatives and resources that help our people maintain or improve their wellbeing while at work and home, including:

• Regular seminars and workshops (mindfulness, resilience, sleep, first aid)
• Discounted health insurance schemes, access to occupational therapists, and gym facilities or membership subsidies
• Free flu vaccinations
• Dinners and taxis are available if you work late
• Support is made available for those who may be experiencing domestic violence
• We provide access to an Employee Assistance Programme (an independent company that provides free-of-charge professional confidential counselling for staff and their immediate whanau)
• We offer generous sick leave

Connect

Connecting with people helps to strengthen and broaden social networks, and it’s really important for our wellbeing.  We support this at Simpson Grierson by:

• Having a dedicated social committee that arrange a wide range of sporting and social activities, including monthly drinks and monthly lunchtime events
• Regularly participate in awareness days and activities (Pink Shirt Day, Steptember, Mental Health Awareness Week)
• We are Whanau friendly, including; a children's Christmas party, colouring competitions, coffee group and parents’ network

Community and pro bono

A central part of our commitment to be "energetic for change", is investing in the future of New Zealand’s communities - helping them to grow and thrive.

A central part of our commitment to be energetic for change, is investing in the future of New Zealand’s communities - helping them to grow and thrive.

Our pro bono partner, Shan Wilson, leads and implements our efforts to deliver practical, hands on support for people and organisations, helping to make a positive difference.

A focus on pro bono

In 2020 Simpson Grierson took a big step forward in how we invest in our communities by expanding our pro bono practice, and appointing Shan Wilson as a dedicated pro bono partner. Over 12 months on, these changes have had a positive impact on our firm and the community organisations we work with.

Importantly, the changes refocused how we engage in pro bono work across our firm, placing a priority on providing meaningful legal assistance for initiatives and organisations that deliver practical support to disadvantaged and low-income community members.

See our pro bono page for more detail and click here to read our latest pro bono update: Invested for good.

Supporting our community partners

We take our responsibility to our communities seriously, and our people play a key role in this. Some of the amazing groups we work with include:

  • Youthline - we're proud to have worked with Youthline as our main community partner for the last 16 years in their mission to foster leadership and personal skills in young people
  • Scholarships - we have a strong focus on supporting community partners that help young people reach their full potential, and are proud to collaborate with Waikato-Tainui, Ngai Tahu, and TupuToa on their initiatives aimed at helping Maori and Pasifika students to succeed
  • Orakei School - our long-running partnership with Orakei School is centred around a weekly mentoring programme for the school’s Year 8 pupils and has a lasting and positive impact on their students and our people.

Diversity, belonging and wellbeing

Having a workplace that prioritises who you are, as much as what you do, is not something we take lightly, and it matters to us that every one of our people feels like they belong here. Some of our milestones include:

  • Supporting our Rainbow Community - we're extremely proud to be the first organisation in New Zealand to achieve the Rainbow Tick certification (2014), and in 2019 we jumped onboard as a sponsor of the New Zealand Rainbow Excellence Awards - presenting the Simpson Grierson Impact Award
  • Launching our Our Ngā Mātāpono o Te Reo Māori - Te Reo Māori principles in 2020. Providing a framework for our ongoing Te Reo Māori initiatives as we find new ways to embrace and integrate Te Reo Māori into daily activity
  • Rolling out comprehensive flexible working policies and practices across all offices
  • Launching our internal ‘Find your people’ networks, including for Māori and Pasifika, Pride, Asian Cultures and Languages, Parents, and Elder Care Support.

Making the transition to carbon zero

Our climate change practice is a leader in providing commercially-sound legal advice on climate change matters and the business impacts of transitioning towards a low carbon future.

We apply the same principles to our day-to-day activities, continually looking for practical ways to reduce our environmental impact, and were delighted to receive our Toitū carbonzero (CertTM) certification in September 2020. Click here to learn more.

Professional Development

Every team member is key to our success, so we work hard to ensure talent is recognised and developed, no matter what their role. We provide a wide range of learning and development opportunities to ensure we are all ‘At our Best’. There is a strong focus on the development of leadership and management skills, specifically  coaching and feedback. Most importantly, everyone has the opportunity to have regular informal ‘check-ins’ with their managers to see how they’re tracking.

Haere Mai!

Starting a new job, learning new systems, and meeting new people can be overwhelming. So on day one you will receive a tailored orientation programme designed to help you transition seamlessly into your new role. Your Haere Mai programme is made up of short training sessions spread over a number of weeks. It also includes introducing you to our key policies and procedures, and linking you into like-minded people via our Yammer Groups. By the end of your programme you will know who we are and how we do things, but more importantly, you will feel warmly welcomed and connected.

Your on-going development

We believe in life-long learning at Simpson Grierson. You will have the opportunity to build your skills and knowledge in multiple different ways.   From attending a variety of workshops, seminars, conferences, webinars and podcasts on everything from technical legal topics to business skills and health and wellbeing topics. We also have a generous study support policy that allows you to complete undergraduate or post graduate study for your current or future roles. Support includes time off to attend lectures, study leave days, and some reimbursement of fees.
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We also encourage lawyers to undertake postgraduate study overseas. We may provide financial assistance, leave of absence, and, where appropriate, a referral to an overseas law firm for work experience.

Leadership

Every year a small group of senior staff are invited to take part in the firm's leadership programme, 'Good to Great'. This programme provides exceptional professional and personal insights and development opportunities that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

We also have a mentoring programme that supports the career development of our high performing staff and junior staff by fostering relationships with more experienced partners and senior lawyers.

Careers at Simpson Grierson

Find your next role

Invested in your future

It’s a promise we make to our people, our clients, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Put simply, it means our best future is in helping you shape yours. Supporting your success, creating great outcomes, and investing in long-term relationships.
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At Simpson Grierson you’ll tackle challenging and varied work, including projects of national significance, alongside some of the most respected lawyers in NZ. You’ll also shape the way you work, receive great support and training, and enjoy fantastic opportunities to succeed and grow.

"At Simpson Grierson we put people at the centre of what we do, whether you are a member of our team or one of our clients.

It's a great place to grow your skills and be part of supporting some of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading companies and government organisations."

Anne Callinan, Chair

Help shape the future for our clients, our communities and Aotearoa New Zealand

Find your next role

Our Culture

We like that people are different and know that diversity enhances what we do. That’s why we strive to give everyone a sense of inclusion, belonging, and recognition, so you can be comfortable expressing your individuality, contributing new ideas and delivering your best work.
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Our values, putting people first, at our best and energetic for change, underpin a supportive culture where everyone is empowered to innovate, succeed, and deliver outstanding results for our clients and community.

Putting people first

We prioritise wellbeing and build healthy relationships based on mutual respect, trust and integrity.

We have a culture of inclusion and belonging, and flexible working options that create an innovative corporate environment.
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Our comprehensive THRIVE programme puts an emphasis on personal wellbeing and mental health.

At our best

We deliver excellent service and best outcomes for clients by developing and empowering our people.

Our specialists are recognised leaders in every area of commercial law - 14 practice areas ranked as leading (Chambers Asia Pacific 2021); M&A Deal of the Year - 2018 & 2019 New Zealand Law Awards.
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Our comprehensive and strategically aligned learning and development programme and on-job coaching, encourages regular career conversations and focuses on enhancing performance at all levels

Energetic for change

We seek out, embrace and invest in positive change that benefits our people, clients and communities.

Our In-house team embeds practical innovation throughout the firm – including upskilling team members through our Innovation Capability Programme.
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We have long-term community partnerships, including Youthline (since 2004) and Orakei School (since 2003); and a pro bono practice aimed at delivering hands-on, practical legal assistance that makes a positive difference for low-income and disadvantaged members of the community.

Our Locations

Auckland - Our largest office, with over 250 staff, is in the City of Sails - home to many of NZ's large corporates. Located at 88 Shortland Street, our spacious top floor offices have stunning views of the waterfront.
Level 27, 88 Shortland Street, Auckland
Wellington - Our office is located in the HSBC Building, situated in the heart of Wellington's CBD, close to fabulous cafes, culture and culinary delights. The Wellington team is based across two floors with beautiful harbour views.
Level 24, HSBC Tower, 195 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Christchurch - Our modern Christchurch office is based in the West End, close to the CBD and near the Avon River. The close-knit Christchurch team works with clients across the South Island.
Level 1, 151 Cambridge Terrace, West End, Christchurch

Get in touch

Find Your Next Role
Or talk to our recruiter
Jackie Mulligan
Recruitment Manager
09 977 5104 jackie.mulligan@simpsongrierson.com
Lily Lyons
Recruitment Consultant
09 977 5401 lily.lyons@simpsongrierson.com
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