Legal Support Assistant

Ministry of Justice (New Zealand); Hawkes Bay; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice is seeking a Legal Support Assistant for the PDS Hastings team. This entry-level position offers a collaborative environment where you'll assist legal secretaries, manage client files, and engage in general office administration, paving the way for a promising career in criminal law.

Benefits

Access to induction programme

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-driven environment.
• Involvement in general office tasks is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assisting legal secretaries and supporting the office.
• Setting up client files and collating legal documents.
• Covering reception and performing various administrative tasks.

Skills

Customer service

Office administration

Organizational skills

Job description

Legal Support Assistant – Entry level position

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Looking for a supportive team environment to start your career? Passionate about customer service? Know your way around a keyboard? Thrive in a busy environment?

The PDS is looking for a Legal Support Assistant to join PDS Hastings team. Reporting to the Support Services Manager, your duties will include:

• assisting our legal secretaries and supporting the office
• setting up client files and collating legal documents
• covering reception and a variety of general office administration tasks.

As a key team member at the PDS you will have access to an induction programme for PDS support staff. You will also be able to attend professional development opportunities across the Ministry.

To be successful in this role you will need:

Whilst you may have already gained some experience in a professional environment that is customer driven, and been involved in general office administration tasks, this is a chance for you to get in at the 'ground floor' and establish a great career path for yourself, in the interesting area of criminal law.

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.

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 an induction programme
• a collaborative and collegial working environment

The appointing salary for this role will be between $55,343 and $74,416 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 22 July 2025, however we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may be inviting candidates to interview before the close date.