Each year Simpson Grierson welcomes law students from across New Zealand to apply for graduate & summer clerk positions in March.
Areas of expertise: We have nine main practice areas: Banking and Finance, Corporate and Commercial, Litigation, Real estate, Construction, Employment, IP/ICT and Pro-Bono
Staff: Across all three of our offices, we have 46 Partners.
- 33 based in Auckland (13 female/20 male)
- 9 based in Wellington (3 female/6 male)
- 4 based in Christchurch (2 female/2 male)
Across all three of our offices, we have 312 staff in total.
- 235 in Auckland
- 55 in Wellington
- 22 in Christchurch
Contact: Sophia Catley is the People and Culture Consultant who is our summer clerk and law graduate lead. If you have any questions, please contact Sophia.catley@simpsongrierson.com
About the firm
At Simpson Grierson we are invested in your future. It’s a promise we make to our people, our clients, and Aotearoa New Zealand. We invest in our people and are determined to make Simpson Grierson one of the best places to work, learn and grow. As a summer clerk or graduate at Simpson Grierson, you’ll get involved in real client work and tackle major projects alongside some of the most respected lawyers in Aotearoa. We provide you with an engaging and supportive working environment, which gives you excellent exposure to the legal world and offers plenty of opportunities for growth.
Opportunities for students
We offer summer clerkships and graduate programmes in each of our Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch offices.
Please note graduate roles vary every year. We only hire graduates when an office needs additional numbers from its summer clerk intake.
Our target year level will be students in their penultimate or final year of study.
Meet Avia Murray
Solicitor, Banking and Finance
“There are great opportunities to get involved in fast paced and complex work with intelligent people.”
What kind of work have you been involved in at Simpson Grierson?
In the transactional side of banking and finance, the majority of my work is lender side, working with banks and non-bank lenders as clients. The majority of transactions I have been involved in as a junior solicitor are in the property finance realm, with drafting loan and security documents, attending to security registration and discharges, and conducting settlement. This type of work has allowed me to work closely with and build rapport with a number of clients who I communicate daily with.
What do you enjoy most about working at Simpson Grierson?
Building strong relationships with others and meeting new people is something I love, and it is so easy at Simpson Grierson. From day one, everyone was genuinely enthusiastic to meet me, and keen include me in every aspect of firm life. The people, the culture and the firms values make Simpson Grierson feel like so much more than just a job!
What sets Simpson Grierson apart from other Law firms?
Simpson Grierson is an inclusive firm, filled with fun, hardworking and enthusiastic people, which makes coming to work exciting. The majority of work I complete is direct with a partner or senior lawyer, providing great opportunities to work on complex matters and large transactions whilst learning from their expertise and receiving individualised feedback.
At Simpson Grierson there is the perfect balance of strong opportunity for professional growth and ability to develop personal connections.
What are the social opportunities like at Simpson Grierson?
Simpson Grierson does a fantastic job with the social opportunities – from firm sports teams to after-work drinks to themed functions – there is something for everyone. Every event is a great way to get to know colleagues outside of work and have a bit of fun!
What has been the most challenging part of working at Simpson Grierson?
One of the most challenging parts of working at Simpson Grierson is the calibre of the work. There are great opportunities to get involved in fast paced and complex work with intelligent people.
What has been your favourite experience at Simpson Grierson so far?
Simpson Grierson does a large amount of pro-bono work to support not‑for‑profits, charities and members of the community who are low income or disadvantaged. In my past year at Simpson Grierson, I have been involved in a mentoring programme for Orakei school and volunteered at the Auckland Community Law Centre advice clinic. These experiences are rewarding and are a privilege to be involved in.
What would your advice to students be who are wishing to apply to Simpson Grierson?
Go for it! It is a great place to work, with amazing opportunities and awesome people. In terms of the application, show your interest in corporate law and a desire to learn, but most importantly, be yourself. Think of what makes you stand out as whole, including your hobbies, interests and achievements outside a classroom environment.
Meet Grace Mohi
Solicitor, Planning and Environment
Ngāti Kahungunu
“Simpson Grierson has the largest public law practice in any private New Zealand law firm. By doing so, Simpson Grierson creates an abundance of pathways and practice groups for a young lawyer to try whilst they are figuring out what drives their professional passion.”
What kind of work have you been involved in at Simpson Grierson?
I have been involved in a variety of work since starting at Simpson Grierson in 2023. Working in the Planning and Environment team, I have been exposed to local government, resource management, and marine area and coastal law. I have a particular interest in advising on queries relating to rates and the refusal to pay said rates, official information requests, bylaw enforcement options, and potential councillor conflicts of interests.
What do you enjoy most about working at Simpson Grierson?
My team, and the work we do! I feel endlessly supported and encouraged by everyone in the Planning and Environment team. The seniors really take the time to listen to your interests in the law, ensure that you are put on a variety of matters, and provide feedback to facilitate your professional growth.
What has been the most challenging part of working at Simpson Grierson?
Coming out of University, where I had gotten accustomed to studying at home during COVID-19, I think the hardest part was getting used to the work-life routine. I was honestly quite tired for the first couple of months! Once I started to figure out my new routine, this meant I could get involved in other activities outside of work, such as sports, the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
What sets Simpson Grierson apart from other Law firms?
Simpson Grierson has the largest public law practice in any private New Zealand law firm. By doing so, Simpson Grierson creates an abundance of pathways and practice groups for a young lawyer to try whilst they are figuring out what drives their professional passion. From Planning and Environment to Banking and Finance to Construction, every practice group is completely unique, creating a breadth of experience across the whole firm.
What are the social opportunities like at Simpson Grierson?
Being on the social committee, I can confidently tell you that we host a variety of events and sports to promote a great work environment. Social sports are commonly offered throughout the year, with the occasional evening croquet or lawn bowls for the whole firm to get involved. Additionally, there are several roopū that any new lawyer to Simpson Grierson can join such as SG Whānau or Simpson Queerson (SG’s group for rainbow staff and allies).
What has surprised you about working at Simpson Grierson?
I was quite apprehensive about working for a larger corporate firm when my passion in the law focusses more so on Councils, the environment, and Māori. However, Simpson Grierson has completely broken down any stereotypes I may have held. I am so excited that I can say that I am working in an area of law that I specifically studied in University. The public law practice in Simpson Grierson is vast and constantly growing into new areas of the law.
What has been your favourite experience at Simpson Grierson so far?
Last year myself and my fellow graduates were admitted to the bar in September. Simpson Grierson hosted a function so that we could celebrate with the firm, our friends, and families. I was incredibly proud to introduce my family to the people I spend most of my week with and show them where I work. I was grateful for this opportunity, as it made the day all the more memorable.
What would your advice to students be who are wishing to apply to Simpson Grierson?
Do not be shy to let Simpson Grierson know your interests. Having studied law and environmental management at University, I thought I may have had a disadvantage interviewing at a corporate law firm. However, I believe that my interviewers became more responsive to me when I started to talk about the environment, Māori land law, and local government issues. You cannot hide your true passions and trust me when I tell you that any interests in the law you may have whether it be in banking, the environment, or IT law, your interviewers will want to hear about it!