Research Counsel | Wellington City

Job Description

Research Counsel, Māori Land Court & Waitangi Tribunal (Wellington)

Permanent Full Time

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are looking for someone with a passion for Māori Land and Treaty of Waitangi law to join the Research Counsel team in the Māori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal. This role is based in the Chief Judge's Chambers in Wellington.

The Research Counsel team is responsible for supporting Māori Land Court judges and Waitangi Tribunal presiding officers by providing high quality legal research, drafting and advice concerning applications before the Māori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal. The five-person team is based in two offices, with three Research Counsel working from the Chief Judge's Chambers office in Wellington, and two working from the Hamilton Māori Land Court office.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

This is an excellent opportunity for a law graduate with an interest in the work of the Māori Land Court and Waitangi Tribunal. Applicants will need to have an LLB, with a good academic record, excellent written and oral communication skills, and good computer literacy. In addition, applicants should be able to demonstrate their experience at working independently towards deadlines, well-developed analytical skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Applicants should either have knowledge of te reo and tikanga Māori or an interest in developing this.

We are seeking applicants whose analytical and legal research skills are impressive, along with their commitment to developing them; who are interested in the complex and diverse work of the Māori Land Court and the Waitangi Tribunal; and who can provide high quality, reliable legal research opinions, prepare legal memoranda, directions and other documents, and interact regularly with Māori Land Court judges as well as the Research Counsel team.

Mō mātou/About us

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

Salary Range: The appointing salary for this role will be between $72,634 and $100,846 based on skills and experience.

Tono mai/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 20 November; 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

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