Quick answer
We estimate employment lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $250 – $500 per hour. Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely. Legal aid: Limited — civil legal aid for employment matters has narrow eligibility. Some unions cover member representation.
Typical employment law fees
| Service | Estimated NZ fee |
|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $250 – $500/hr estimate |
| Employment agreement review | $300 – $800estimate |
| Personal grievance letter (raise the grievance) | $600 – $1,500estimate |
| Mediation representation (MBIE) | $1,500 – $4,000estimate |
| ERA investigation hearing depending on complexity and length | $5,000 – $15,000estimate |
Where these figures come from
Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.
What drives the cost
- • Whether the matter is resolved at mediation or proceeds to ERA
- • Volume of documents and witnesses
- • Quantum of remedies sought
- • Whether the employer is represented
Legal aid
Limited — civil legal aid for employment matters has narrow eligibility. Some unions cover member representation. Apply via your lawyer or the Ministry of Justice — see justice.govt.nz.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an employment lawyer cost in NZ? ▾
Hourly rates run $250 – $500. Raising a personal grievance is commonly a $600 – $1,500 fixed fee. Mediation representation is $1,500 – $4,000. An ERA hearing typically runs $5,000 – $15,000 depending on complexity.
Is "no win, no fee" available for employment matters? ▾
Conditional fee arrangements are allowed under the Lawyers and Conveyancers Act 2006 (ss333–335) and some employment lawyers offer them for personal grievance claims. Any premium cannot be a share of the amount recovered (s333), and the written agreement must say how the fee is worked out and whether you pay any fees or expenses, such as disbursements, whatever the outcome (Conduct and Client Care Rules r9.10).
How long do I have to raise a personal grievance? ▾
Generally 90 days from the action complained of (e.g. dismissal). Late grievances can be raised with the employer's consent or by application to the ERA, but the bar is high.
Sources
Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.
Deeper guide: Read the full employment law cost breakdown for worked examples, regional variation and pricing-question scripts to use when calling a lawyer.
Related
- Employment Law overview
- All practice areas
- All legal cost guides
- Find a lawyer
- Legal cost calculator
What other legal work costs
Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.