Judges Clerk | Wellington City

Job Description

Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge, Wellington
His Honour Judge Heemi Taumaunu

Te whiwhinga mahi/The Opportunity

We invite applications for the position of Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge (“Chief Judge”). The position offers new graduates the opportunity to work closely for up to three years with the Chief Judge, gaining insight into the judicial process and broad exposure to the administration of the District Court of New Zealand, te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa. It also a great opportunity to contribute to the Te Ao Mārama vision, and the development of a more enlightened approach to justice in the District Court.

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

The Judge's Clerk will:

• Undertake legal research and draft legal opinions advising the Chief Judge.
• Assist with policy development, protocols and practice notes for the District Court.
• Assist with projects relating to the administration of the District Court, including the provision of legal advice on strategic and operational matters relevant to the District Court Judiciary.
• Assist the Chief Judge with legal research to support judgment writing.
• Keep up to date with changes in the common law and legislation relevant to the District Court. This may include writing and circulating explanatory memoranda or case notes either at the request of the Chief Judge or on own initiative.
• Undertake administrative duties including taking minutes for judicial committee meetings.
• Respond to legal and procedural queries.
• Provide legal research for conference papers and speeches.
• Obtain judgments, legislation and articles as requested.
• Report directly to the Chief Judge.

The successful applicant will have:

• An LLB degree with excellent academic achievement, particularly in criminal law. Electives such as criminal procedure, evidence, civil procedure, te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori or Māori customary law are of benefit.
• An excellent understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori is desirable.
• Excellent and accurate written and communication skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Qualities such as self-motivation, efficiency and initiative; the ability to work independently and without supervision.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.

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 District Court is the largest court in Australasia. Most New Zealanders who go to court will go through the entire justice process in the District Court.  Each year, more than 200 Judges, Acting Warranted Judges, Community Magistrates and Judicial Justices' of the Peace in 58 courthouses deal with approximately 200,000 criminal, family, youth and civil matters. 
 
For more information please visit us on Home | The District Court of New Zealand (districtcourts.govt.nz)

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.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

Salary Range as of 1 June 2023

Starting Salary $65,845, 6 months $70,015, 12 months $74,184, 18 months $76,963, 2 years $79,143

Tono mai/How to Apply

If you wish to apply for this position, please include your University Transcript in your application pack and a copy of a recent legal opinion, thesis, essay or memorandum you have completed. Please note, the words of this opinion, thesis, essay or memorandum should not exceed 2000 words.

Applications close on 9 June 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