·       Manage and provide strategic advice on significant litigation

·       Join a motivated, supportive and collaborative team

·       Permanent role based in Wellington (Thorndon) or Auckland (Newmarket)

About us | Mō mātou

ACC is a trusted and high‑performing organisation, providing care, supporting recovery and promoting injury prevention, now and into the future.

You can find more about ACC and the work we do at acc.co.nz.

About the role | Mō te tūranga mahi

We have an opportunity for a Principal Solicitor to join the Litigation team on a permanent basis based in either Wellington or Auckland.

The litigation portfolio is varied and includes dispute resolution litigation under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, public, civil, commercial, criminal and coronial matters. The team is responsible for managing all litigation that ACC is a party to in courts, tribunals and inquiries. The team oversees the instruction and management of ACC litigation via a panel of external lawyers that represent ACC; team members are not required to appear in court themselves.

The Principal Solicitor – Litigation plays a critical role in managing and providing strategic advice on significant litigation, as well as leading on key litigation files across the team. The Principal Solicitor works closely with other colleagues in the Legal, Privacy & Ethics team providing subject matter expertise, collaborating on work crossing portfolio areas, and mentoring team members.  

The appointing salary for this role is $138,301 – $195,248 based on experience and we offer an additional 9% superannuation contribution. ACC offers a comprehensive benefits package which at present includes an advantageous superannuation scheme with features like no mandatory minimum employee contribution, optional life and income protection insurance, and flexibility to change to a locked plan at any time.

About you | Mōu

This role would suit a senior lawyer with significant litigation (or litigation management) experience across varied practice areas that may include public law, medico-legal, criminal, and coronial matters. You will have experience partnering and driving continuous improvement in complex and high-profile litigation environments. Your curious, collaborative and inclusive style will enable you to be a key contributor in the team and form partnerships across and external to ACC to enable the provision of high-quality trusted advice, and successful management of ACC’s litigation case load.

We’re looking for:

• 10 plus years post qualification experience and a current New Zealand practising certificate.
• Proven litigation, public law, and legal advisory experience.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly come up to speed with ACC’s legal framework.
• Experience working in, or providing advice to, large and complex public sector organisations.
• The ability to robustly apply public sector disciplines as well as business and organisational nous.
• Strong experience and confidence engaging, influencing, and advising at senior leadership levels as well as the skills and ability to work with diverse teams and people organisation wide.
• Confidence as a subject matter expert including knowledge sharing to various audiences.
• An ability to think creatively to provide innovation and insightful solutions.
• An awareness of issues related to people with disabilities and experience working in an environment requiring cultural and social awareness.  

If you are looking to be part of motivated, supportive and collaborative team with variety, continued growth and development and the ability to work at a strategic level, we would love to hear from you.

Working at ACC | Mō ACC

At ACC, we embrace the rich tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultures and are dedicated to providing equitable opportunities. We know that a diverse and inclusive team helps us meet the needs of our customers, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, age, and those with diverse abilities. It is important to us that people are free to be themselves at work. Here are some ways we encourage that:

• Employee networks to support our colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• The option to explore flexible working that suits your needs and ours.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Please note, this role will commence in July 2026.

To apply, attach your CV and cover letter telling us why you would be a great fit and what strengths you would bring to the role. Applications will run through to 11.55pm on Sunday 3 May 2026, however if an ideal candidate is found we may progress screening and interviewing sooner.

Applications can only be accepted through the ACC Career Website. For accessibility support or pātai (questions), email HRHelp@acc.co.nz.