Lawyer PAL1

Public Defence Service - New Zealand; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

A legal services organization is seeking a Criminal Defence Lawyer for its Hamilton office. You will provide high-quality defence for legally aided clients and manage diverse criminal cases. Ideal candidates are motivated litigators with PAL 1 approval and a passion for criminal justice. This role offers a supportive environment with professional development opportunities and competitive salary ranging from $73,490 to $94,403 based on experience. Join a team committed to access to justice and career growth.

Benefits

Access to a national training programme

Professional development opportunities

Professional supervision programme

Laptop and mobile phone

Qualifications

• Motivated and experienced criminal litigator.
• Enjoys sharing legal expertise in a collaborative environment.
• Strong desire to develop career in criminal advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality defence representation to clients.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters.
• Provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers.

Skills

Passion for criminal justice

Credibility with judges and peers

Empathy

Ability to relate to a wide range of people

Education

Qualified to practice law in New Zealand

PAL 1 approval level or close to obtaining

Job description

Job Description

Public Defence Service - Hamilton
Criminal Defence Lawyer – PAL 1
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Have a strong desire to develop your career in criminal advocacy? This is a truly exciting opportunity.

Role

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Lawyer PAL1 at our Hamilton office. Reporting to the Legal Team Manager you will:

• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters.
• Provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

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

• have a PAL 1 approval level, or close to obtaining, and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand,
• have confidence in your ability to develop credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community,
• 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.

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

You never know what each day will bring. I love the rush the job can bring whilst being able to sit and critically think about a legal issue. (Claire)

We Will Provide You With

• Access to a well‑designed and embedded national training programme.
• Professional development and opportunities to progress.
• A professional supervision programme.
• A laptop and mobile phone.

See our full range of benefits here.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The salary range for this role is $73,490 to $and $100,642. The appointing salary for this role will be between $73,490 to $and $94,403 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 17 December 2025; 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 [e-mail]