Criminal Defense Team Lead - Mentorship & HighProfile Cases

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Auckland; On-site; NZD 113,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days holiday leave

Flexible work hours

Online professional development portal

Inclusive networks

Job summary

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand is seeking an experienced criminal litigator to lead the Public Defence ServiceWaitakere. The Legal Team Manager will oversee a busy docket, mentor a small team of lawyers and appear in higher courts when required, ensuring top quality defence for legally aided clients.

We value collaboration, professional integrity and a commitment to development, with opportunities to progress junior lawyers while handling high‑stakes cases in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Must hold a PAL2 level listing and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand.
• Proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community.
• Comfortable being part of a team that supports and relies on one another.
• Enjoys sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and managing a small team of lawyers.
• Has empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients.
• Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters, including high profile cases.
• Appear in High Court and Court of Appeals when required.
• Manage, mentor and supervise junior lawyers.

Skills

Criminal litigation

Team management

Legal practice in NZ

Court appearances

Education

PAL2 qualified to practice law in NZ

Job description

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand is seeking an experienced criminal litigator to lead the Public Defence ServiceWaitakere. The Legal Team Manager will oversee a busy docket, mentor a small team of lawyers and appear in higher courts when required, ensuring top quality defence for legally aided clients.

We value collaboration, professional integrity and a commitment to development, with opportunities to progress junior lawyers while handling high‑stakes cases in a supportive environment.