Lawyer PAL1, PDS Waitakere

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

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? This is a truly exciting opportunity.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Lawyer PAL1 or PAL 2 at our Waitakere office. Reporting to the 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
• Assist in coaching and mentoring
• Be confident in leading on a broad range of jury trial work

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 promptly attain PAL 1 approval
• 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

This is a challenging but truly satisfying role and our lawyers love what they do.  

Ko wai mātou/Who we are

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.

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. 

He aha ngā painga o tēnei mahi mōu/Why you will enjoy working here

"You never know what each day will bring. I love the rush the job can bring whilst being able to sit and critically think about a legal issue." (Claire)

We will provide you with:

• Access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme,
• Professional development and opportunities to progress
• A professional supervision programme
• Flexible working options where possible
• A laptop and mobile phone

See our full range of benefits here.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between: $72,490 and $93,403 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. 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 1 April 2024; 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