Opportunities to work in Queenstown or Remotely

Parker Cowan is a specialist litigation firm based in Queenstown, acting for clients throughout New Zealand and the world. 

If you are an intermediate or senior litigator, already living in the region, considering a move there, or living elsewhere and willing to travel from time to time to keep in touch with the team, then we would like to chat.

Parker Cowan specialises in insurance based litigation, acting for insurers and their insureds, with particular emphasis on professional indemnity cases, and frequently on statutory and complex general liability matters. The professionals for whom the team are instructed to act are varied, and extend from lawyers, accountants, valuers and engineers to health professionals and business owners. They also act for a wide range of insureds who find themselves before their respective disciplinary bodies, or are the subject of investigation and/or prosecution by government departments.

As a professional yourself, you’ll appreciate that this is important legal work given the significant impacts on people’s careers and lives. The litigation the firm is involved in leads to appearances in all levels of Courts and specialist Tribunals around New Zealand, including Royal Commissions when they arise.  In addition to Court appearances at trial and interlocutory hearings, live and remote, there will be ample opportunity for achieving dispute resolution by mediation and negotiation.

There is no common path to Parker Cowan. The team of 5 lawyers have come to the firm at different stages of their careers and from diverse destinations and legal roles. What unites them, apart from the quality of dispute resolution work open to them, is their love for the varied and rich, active and relaxing lifestyle on offer in this beautiful part of New Zealand. Most of the team work from the firm’s Queenstown office, but other team members’ personal lives have caused them to move elsewhere and they have continued working for the firm remotely. 

Though it would be ideal, it is not essential, for you to have had some insurance litigation experience. Quality general commercial/civil litigation experience, importantly including appearances in Court and in mediation, is essential. You will be used to working in a busy practice, with real responsibility, consulting and collaborating with partners and other lawyers. You will have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain team and client relationships (especially important if you are working remotely), an analytical and commercial solutions orientation, honed oral and written advocacy skills, and a keenness to “be on your feet” as often as possible. (Obviously, your level of experience, will influence how developed these skills and attributes are).  

Irrespective of your years of experience, you’ll welcome coaching from the firm’s partners Maree Cowan and Michael Parker. You’ll also enjoy the collegiality and support of a senior weighted team with a breadth and depth of experience. Your exact work mix will be tailored to your level of experience and areas of interest and speciality you may bring. We are looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to adapt and apply yourself to the opportunities on offer. Regardless of where you are based, you’re likely to have to travel to meet clients and attend hearings. Parker Cowan has strong and united leadership from Maree and Michael and an egalitarian team who support one another and genuinely enjoy working together. 

If you are an intermediate litigator, we require at least two years' quality litigation experience. If you are a senior litigator, there is a clear opportunity for someone with the right attitude and skills to evolve into a leadership role. All candidates must be eligible to work in New Zealand and have a full driver’s licence. 

Please enquire by contacting me, Victoria Fletcher, 021 300 982, victoria@victoriafletcher.co.nz.