Junior Lawyer/Lawyer PAL1 at NZ Ministry of Justice, Wellington Region

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Public Defence Service Wellington

Junior Lawyer/Criminal Defence Lawyer – Supervised Provider/PAL1

We are seeking applications from lawyers with approval as either a Junior Lawyer or PAL 1 or the ability to attain approval as a Junior Lawyeror PAL 1.

JUNIOR CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER (Supervised Provider)

Te Haeata/The Opportunity – Junior Lawyer

Been admitted to the NZ Bar?  Eligible for a NZ Law Society practising certificate? Have a strong desire to develop your career in the specialist area of criminal advocacy? Want to learn from the best?

To be considered for this position, a copy of your academic transcript must accompany your application.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated junior lawyer who wants to progress their career to the next level. The PDS is well known for its comprehensive professional development programme in criminal litigation and is considered an excellent training ground and full of opportunities for a successful legal career.   

 

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

To be successful you must:

• Be admitted to the New Zealand Bar.
• Have approval as a Supervised Provider or the ability to attain approval as a Supervised Provider.
• Be passionate about criminal justice issues.
• Love working in a team environment.

You will be developing an ability to build credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community. As an important member of a close-knit team you will enjoy exchanging ideas and brainstorming.  You will have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people. 

 

JUNIOR CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER – PAL 1

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload?  Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Have a strong desire to develop your career in criminal advocacy?

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Lawyer PAL1 at our busy Wellington office. Reporting to a Legal Team Manager you will:

• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters.
• Provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers.

 

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

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

• have a PAL 1 approval level or the ability to attain PAL 1 approval and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand.
• have confidence in your ability to develop credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community.
• enjoy sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and brainstorming.
• have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

 

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.

 

Utu ā-tau/Salary

JUNIOR CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER (Supervised Provider)

The remuneration band for this role is $67,015 to $89,934 – while the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience, we are willing to pay higher in the band to attract strong candidates into this role.

JUNIOR CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER – PAL 1

The remuneration band for this role is $74,490 to $100,642 – while the appointing salary will be 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 detailed position descriptions here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Pease indicate which role you wish to apply for.

Applications close on 13 November.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include “MOJ/1954516” (job number) in your subject line.

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