Senior Solicitor at Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections), Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Work on diverse, meaningful legal issues including prisoners' rights, health service delivery, strategic justice projects, and the policy‑to‑law process
• Join a high‑performing, collaborative, and supportive team that values kindness, shared expertise, and professional growth
• Full-time permanent position based at our National Office in Wellington

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role is for a Senior Solicitor in the Advice & Legislation Team, which is one of five teams that make up the Department's Legal Services Unit. The work is interesting and diverse. You will have the opportunity to work on issues such as prisoners' rights, the delivery of health services, strategic criminal justice projects, and the policy to law process. Much of the work is high‑profile and has a direct impact on the lives of people in Aotearoa.

We are committed to supporting the Department's implementation of its transformational strategy, Hōkai Rangi, and are motivated to build our individual and collective cultural capability.

We are a high‑performing, collaborative, and supportive team, with experience both within and outside the Department. We value kindness, shared expertise, and working in a way that helps each other succeed.

Mōu | About you 

We are looking for someone who consistently provides high quality, operationally minded, and fit for purpose legal advice in a timely and customer-focused way.

You will ideally have experience of the policy to law process, including working closely with policy colleagues and the Parliamentary Counsel Office to turn policy into legislation.

If you are interested in our work, enjoy working as part of a team, and have great skills, we would really like to hear from you! 

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We will be looking for the following skills, knowledge and abilities outlined in your application:

• Experience of the policy to law process, including drafting instructions to the Parliamentary Counsel Office, attending Select Committees, and supporting Ministers in the House.
• Thoroughness, accuracy, and reliability in the provision of public law advice and/or matters of criminal procedure.
• Familiarity with the Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to the work of government agencies.

Utu ā-tau | Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $131,914 per annum and the full range (85%-120%) is $112,127 - $158,297 per annum. Appointment and remuneration will reflect skills and experience relevant to the role.

Mō mātou | About us

Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.

We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.

Tono ināianei | Apply Now

To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.

When applying, submit a tailored CV and a cover letter describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.

Applications close on: Sunday 29th March

If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact Tom.Nicholas@corrections.govt.nz, or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.