Lawyer PAL1 | Canterbury

Job Description

Criminal Defence Lawyer – PAL1 – Christchurch

Te whiwhinga mahi/The Opportunity

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking a criminal lawyer who has completed duty lawyer training and has obtained PAL 1 approval or is close to obtaining, and who has a strong desire to develop their career in the specialist area of criminal advocacy. The successful candidate will join the team in our Christchurch office.

You will find challenge and satisfaction with a varied caseload, including trials and appearances. You will have expert and talented colleagues around who will mentor you and support your development to the next level of your career. The PDS is well known for its comprehensive professional development programme in criminal litigation and is considered an excellent training ground full of opportunities for a successful legal career.

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience  

To be successful, you must:

• Be passionate about criminal justice issues
• Have a PAL1 listing, or be close to obtaining
• Be qualified to practice law in New Zealand

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 – and providing support and light relief when required. You will have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people. This is a challenging but truly satisfying job 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 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 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 $66,378 and $93,710 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 28 March 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.