Legal & Research Counsel | Wellington City

Job Description

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga/About the Role

This is a permanent full-time position based in Wellington.

We are currently seeking an experienced and proactive individual to join our Legal and Research Counsel/Advisor team. This is a role where your enthusiasm, initiative and keen eye for detail will be key in providing timely, robust and accurate legal support to New Zealand's Coroners and the Coronial Services Unit.

You will be working in a tight-knit team and your day-to-day work will be varied and busy. You will be tasked with providing high quality legal and research support to the Coronial Services Unit. Primarily, you will be drafting Coroners' Findings and Recommendations.  You will also assist Coroners to prepare for inquests. In doing so, you will help make New Zealand a safer society, build working relationships with a unique subset of judiciary and be exposed to a fascinating area of law and justice.

Duties include:

• Preparing initial drafts of Coroners' findings at the direction of the Coroners and team manager.
• Undertaking legal research either at the request of the Chief Coroner or Coroners.
• Appearing as counsel to assist the Coroner in the Coroners' Court, once valid practicing certificate is held.
• Assisting in the analysis of legislation and coronial and medical law.

Mō te tīma/About our Team

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

Joining the Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an inclusive organisation that values you and the communities we serve. It's our promise to ensure our workplace is one where our people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and one where diversity is welcomed and celebrated. 

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role you will have:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and fantastic time and self-management skills.
• Meticulous spelling, grammar and attention to detail.
• Excellent drafting and legal research skills.
• An intellectually curious outlook.
• A Bachelor of Laws degree.
• 1-2 years+ PQE.
• High level of resilience and ability to work with sensitive and traumatic material.
• New Zealand permanent residency or citizenship.

You will also:

• Be committed to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Bring an understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori me onā tikanga

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.

Salary Range: The appointing salary for this role will be between $63,019 and $82,295 based on skills and experience.

Applications close on: 20 May 2022

If you have any questions please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz