Legal Secretary | Waikato

Job Description

Public Defence Service - Hamilton

Legal Secretary

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Ready to move to an interesting criminal defence environment? Want to show case your excellent legal secretarial and technical skills? Love working in a supportive team environment?

A PDS legal secretary:

• Ensures the PDS legal team are supported in a professional, effective and efficient manner.
• has a proactive approach to the provision of legal secretarial and general office and administration services,
• is proactive in identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will need to be:

• experienced and efficient in a range of administration functions, including typing and data entry
• a self-starter with proven initiative and the ability to take control of a busy workload
• keen to learn about the world of criminal defence law
• forward thinking and action orientated.

Strong written and confident verbal communication skills are critical - both in terms of the work you will do with the lawyers and also for our clients. 

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.

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. 

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about 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 induction programme
• access to professional development opportunities
• flexible working options where possible
• a collaborative and collegial working environment.

See our full range of benefits here.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $59,729 and $76,043 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 July 2025, 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