Judges Clerk | Wellington City

Job Description

Judge's Clerk to the Principal Family Court Judge

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Ministry of Justice invites applications for the position of Judge's Clerk to the Principal Family Court Judge (“Principal Judge”). The position offers graduates the opportunity to work closely for up to three years with the Principal Judge, gaining insight into the judicial process and broad exposure to the administration of the District Court of New Zealand generally and the Family Court in particular.

This role would suit a recent graduate who is interested in Family law and is looking to advance their legal career.

The Judge's Clerk will:

• provide excellent legal, operational and administrative support to the Principal Family Court Judge and provide assistance to other Judges or Family Court Associates as approved by the Principal Judge;
• assist with projects relating to the administration of the Family Court, including the provision of legal advice on operational matters relevant to the Family Court Judiciary;
• keep up to date with changes in the common law and legislation relevant to the Family This may include writing and circulating explanatory memoranda either at the request of the Principal Judge or on own initiative;
• research for and assist with preparation of Law Commission and Select Committee submissions;
• research for and assist with preparation for conferences;
• respond to legal and procedural queries, including external queries and those that relate to judgments not published on the District Courts website;
• obtain judgments, legislation and articles as requested;
• produce and publish a regular newsletter for all Family Court Judges and Family Court Associates;
• prepare for meetings, including providing secretariat support;
• draft correspondence;
• assist with the preparation of reports and briefings; and
• research for and preparation of speeches.

The successful applicant will be expected to commence work as soon as possible,, indicating the earliest you can start in your application.

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

The successful applicant will have:

• LLB degree with excellent academic achievement, particularly in Family law. Electives such as Youth Justice, evidence, civil procedure, and Māori legal studies are desirable, but not necessary;
• knowledge of the Family Court jurisdiction including the rules and provisions under the Family Court Rules 2002, the Family Court Act 1980, the Care of Children Act 2004, the Family Violence Act 2018 and the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989;
• knowledge of tikanga Māori and beginner to advanced competency in te reo Māori will be an advantage;
• excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills;
• a high level of judgement and discretion;
• the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team without supervision;
• the ability to cope with tight deadlines and changing or competing demands;
• computer/technology skills, including the use of Microsoft Word and SharePoint;
• secretariat experience is desirable, though not necessary; and
• experience within the operations of the Family Court will be an advantage, but it is not necessary.

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

The starting salary is $67,845 with an opportunity to progress in six-monthly increments to $82,135.

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. 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, this opinion, thesis, essay or memorandum should not exceed 1500 words.

Applications close on 13 April; 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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