Legal Counsel | Wellington City

Job Description

Legal Counsel

Office of the Chief District Court Judge

Permanent Full Time

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Legal Counsel to the Chief District Court Judge provides expert, ‘fit for purpose' legal advice and support to the Office of the Chief District Court Judge to ensure decisions of the Office have a sound legal basis.  

The role works closely with the Chief District Court Judge, providing legal advice to support the discharge of the Chief Judge's statutory role of ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of the business of the court. This includes the provision of advice on strategic, constitutional and operational issues affecting all parts of the District Court, as well as issues of judicial administration, including judicial terms and conditions and complaints about judicial conduct.

The Legal Counsel also oversees the Judges' Clerks who work in the Office, providing coaching, mentoring and day-to-day guidance. The role plays an active role in fostering a supportive learning environment.

This position is based in Wellington and reports to the Director, Office of the Chief District Court Judge.

About the role

Key responsibilities

• Provide sound, well-researched and legally accurate advice to the Chief District Court Judge and District Court Judicial Leadership team on matters concerning the orderly and efficient conduct of the District Court's business, including judicial administration.
• Lead and guide the development of complex legal advice — including oversight of projects involving significant risk or uncertainty — to ensure advice is robust, timely and fit for purpose
• Drive the development, review and continuous improvement of legal frameworks, methodologies and processes to enhance the quality and consistency of legal advice
• Lead the provision of instructions to counsel where the District Court is named as a party in proceedings before the senior courts
• Mentor and support the Judges' Clerks to develop their capability and ensure they deliver high quality research for their Judges

Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

• A recognised law degree and a commitment to ongoing professional development
• Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and holder of an annual practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society
• Minimum of 8 – 10 years post qualification experience
• Significant legal experience with demonstrable expertise in the fields relevant to the role
• Proven ability to provide intellectual and professional leadership across organisations, including mentoring and developing junior staff and peers.  

What you need to be successful

• A sound understanding of New Zealand's constitutional framework, including the separation of powers, the role of the judiciary, and the constitutional conventions that underpin judicial independence and impartiality
• Demonstrated understanding of the District Court's statutory framework, including the respective functions of the Chief District Court Judge and the principal judicial officers of the District Court's various divisions
• A clear appreciation of the distinct roles of the Office of the Chief District Court Judge and the Ministry of Justice, and the discipline required to operate effectively within those boundaries
• A sound understanding of the structure, operations and business of the District Court in all its jurisdictions
• A sound understanding of the stance expected of the District Court when it is named as a party in proceedings before the senior courts
• Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and confidently to a wide range of audiences
• Ability to adapt quickly, manage competing priorities, and respond to changing needs
• Excellent relationship skills and confidence to engage with, and obtain the trust and confidence of, the judiciary.

Mō mātou/About us

The Office of the Chief District Court Judge, known as the Chief District Court Judge's Chambers / Te Whare o Ngā Kaihautū Waka o Te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa is a small, high-impact team that provides administrative, advisory, operational and strategic support to the District Court Judicial Leadership team, the Kaihautū, comprising the Chief District Court Judge, Principal Family Court Judge, Principal Youth Court Judge, National Executive Judge, and Chief Community Magistrate. This support enables the Kaihautū to undertake their statutory and non-statutory functions and their overall leadership and administration of the District Court to ensure the delivery of timely, impartial and open justice.

Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture – Ministry of Justice 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 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• 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 appointing salary for this role will be between $130,129 and $179,192 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 31 May 2026; 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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