Principal Lawyer - Manukau | Auckland Region

Job Description

Public Defence Service - Manukau

Principal Lawyer 

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga/About the Role

South Auckland has one of the most diverse communities in New Zealand and our Manukau office has an important role in helping some of the most marginalised people in that community.

Following a recent promotion to Assistant Public Defender, we are looking for a second Principal Lawyer for our Manukau office – someone holding a PAL 4 approval level, or with the ability to achieve PAL 4 approval.

You will find challenge and satisfaction with a varied caseload and will be one of the most senior lawyers in the office. You will be recognised as an expert legal practitioner and will be responsible for representing clients in the more complex, serious and high-profile cases. Although you will not manage a team of lawyers, you will act as a role model for your less experienced colleagues, offering support, professional leadership and supervision.

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

To be successful in the role you must:

• Be an experienced criminal lawyer and have a PAL4 listing or ability to achieve PAL4 approval
• Be a motivated and inspiring leader
• Demonstrate drive, optimism and a delivery-focus to make things happen and achieve outcomes
• Have developed and maintained a range of effective business relationships
• Model high personal and professional standards

This is an exciting role where you work to serve the South Auckland 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 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

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 and opportunities to attend conferences
• A professional supervision programme
• Flexible working options
• A laptop and mobile phone

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $131,803 - $172,119 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.

If you would like a confidential discussion before making an application, please contact Mark Williams, Manukau Public Defender via email: Mark.williams@PDS.govt.nz.

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 11 April 2023, 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