Legal Team Manager PAL3, PDS Christchurch | Christchurch

Job Description

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Do you have team management experience? Are you looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload?  Do you enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment and relish the opportunity to help more junior lawyers progress their careers? This is a truly exciting opportunity.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator, with people management experience, to take up the role of Legal team Manager at our Christchurch office. Reporting to the Christchurch Public Defender you will:

• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients,
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters, including high profile cases,
• Appear on High court and court of appeals when required,
• Train, mentor and supervise junior lawyers.

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience

To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:

• Have a PAL3 level listing and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand,
• have proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community,
• be comfortable to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another,
• enjoy sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and brainstorming,
• have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

This is a challenging but truly satisfying role 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 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. 

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $128,129 and $166,062 dependent 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 Sunday 20 October; however, we will be reviewing CVs 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