Child Welfare Litigation Solicitor – Flexible, Impactful

Oranga Tamariki; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki in Auckland seeks talented litigation lawyers to support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through high-quality legal advocacy. The role focuses on representing the organisation in Family Court and Youth Court while collaborating with social workers, site leadership, and staff across Legal Services.

You will provide strategic legal guidance, develop advocacy skills, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and current practising certificate.
• For Intermediate Solicitor appointments, 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or strong advocacy interest.
• Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts.
• Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building capability with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori; cross-cultural awareness.
• Willingness to travel across the North Island.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy to social workers, site leadership teams and staff.
• Appear before the Family Court and Youth Court representing Oranga Tamariki.
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues; deliver training to frontline staff.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services.

Skills

Communication skills

Litigation experience

Advocacy

Relationship-building

Education

Admission as Barrister and Solicitor NZ

Job description

Oranga Tamariki in Auckland seeks talented litigation lawyers to support tamariki, rangatahi and whānau through high-quality legal advocacy. The role focuses on representing the organisation in Family Court and Youth Court while collaborating with social workers, site leadership, and staff across Legal Services.

You will provide strategic legal guidance, develop advocacy skills, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to continuous improvement.