Principal Lawyer, PDS Waitakere

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Are you recognsed as a highly experienced criminal litigator?  Are you looking for your next big challenge?  Do you enjoy working on more complex, serious and high-profile cases?

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for an expert litigator with PAL4 criminal listing to take up the role of Principal lawyer, in our Waitakere office. Reporting to the Waitakere Public Defender you will:

• Provide effective leadership
• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients
• Manage a diverse and interesting caseload of criminal matters, including high profile cases
• Appear on High court and court of appeals when required
• Act as a role model for your less experienced colleagues
• Offer support, professional leadership and guidance in the office
• Train, mentor and supervise junior lawyers

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role you must:

• Be an experienced criminal lawyer and have a PAL 4 criminal listing
• Be a motivated and inspiring leader who can provide advice to others on technical issues relating to more serious and high profile cases
• Demonstrate drive, optimism and a delivery-focus to make things happen and achieve outcomes
• Have evidence of positively handling complex relationships across multiple stakeholders
• Be a thought leader with either broad ability and experience or specialist expertise and knowledge in a particular area of criminal law
• Model high personal and professional standards with reputation and credibility as a leader in your field

This is an exciting role where you work to serve the wider community. It is a challenging but truly satisfying job working together with our team of lawyers and support staff who love what they do.

You will enjoy an incredible work/life balance, first class training and outstanding professional development, a competitive salary, generous leave entitlements and the ability to work flexibly.

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  Public Defence Service (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 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

"There is so much more support and collegiality than anywhere else I have worked.  You have so many experts around you to bounce ideas off."  (Edith)

We will provide you with:

• Access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme,
• Professional development opportunities
• 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 $139,877 and $181,402 depending 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 Wednesday 3 April 2024; however, we will be reviewing CV's 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