Legal Team Manager at NZ Ministry of Justice, Hamilton

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Public Defence Service Hamilton

Legal Team Manager – PAL2 or PAL3

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Are you an experienced criminal litigator? Do you have team management experience? Are you looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload?  Do you enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment and relish the opportunity to help more junior lawyers progress their careers? This is a truly exciting opportunity.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator, with people management experience, to take up the role of Legal team Manager at our Hamilton office.  You will:

• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters, including high profile cases,
• Appear on High court and court of appeals when required,
• Manage, mentor and supervise junior lawyers.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:

• have a PAL 2 level listing or above and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand.
• have proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community.
• be comfortable to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another.
• enjoy sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and managing a small team of lawyers.
• have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

This is a challenging but truly satisfying role.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The PDS is part of the Ministry of Justice and the wider justice sector. The Ministry provides centralised business services, infrastructure, and support to the work of the PDS. 

The Public Defence Service (PDS) provides high-quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. Aimed at helping people access justice, the PDS promotes the values of respect, integrity, service and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for these roles is $112,766 to $154,680 (PAL2) or $130,129 and $179,192 (PAL3) – while the appointing salary for these roles will be between $112,766 to $145,388 (PAL2) or $130,129 and $168,062 (PAL3) based on skills and experience, we are willing to pay higher in the band to attract strong candidates into this role.

Tono mai/Apply

You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close on Monday 24 August 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include “MOJ XXX” (job number) in your subject line.

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