Judges Clerk

Public Defence Service - New Zealand; Waikato; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 4.4 weeks

Flexible working

Online learning

Inclusive networks

Specialist legal knowledge development

Job summary

Ministry of Justice (Te Tāhū o te Ture) invites applications for Judges' Clerk to support District Court Judges and Community Magistrates with high-quality legal research and analysis.

You will analyse legislation and case law, draft memoranda, and source judgments, contributing to timely judicial decisions and the administration of justice across New Zealand.

Qualifications

• LLB with strong academic achievement.
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills.
• Produce clear, concise, and accurate written work.
• Prioritise competing demands while maintaining quality.
• Bring an awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to the justice system.

Responsibilities

• Conduct legal research and prepare written briefings for Judges
• Analyse legislation, case law, and emerging legal developments
• Draft explanatory memoranda and research papers
• Source judgments, legislation, and legal commentary
• Support judicial education initiatives and seminars
• Collaborate with Judges' Clerks nationally to provide timely judicial support

Skills

Legal research

Analytical skills

Written communication

Prioritization

Te Tiriti o Waitangi awareness

Education

LLB

Job description

Job Description

Judges' Clerk

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

Judges' Clerks play a pivotal role in supporting District Court Judges and Community Magistrates by providing high-quality legal research and analysis. Working closely with the judiciary, you will assist in the effective determination of legal issues while contributing to the efficient operation of New Zealand's courts.

In This Role, You Will

• Conduct legal research and prepare written briefings for Judges
• Analyse legislation, case law, and emerging legal developments
• Draft explanatory memoranda and research papers
• Source judgments, legislation, and legal commentary
• Support judicial education initiatives and seminars
• Collaborate with Judges' Clerks nationally to provide timely judicial support

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and you believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will

• Hold an LLB with strong academic achievement
• Demonstrate excellent legal research and analytical skills
• Produce clear, concise, and accurate written work
• Prioritise competing demands while maintaining quality
• Bring an awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its relevance to the justice system

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 District Court operates across criminal, family, youth, and civil jurisdictions, supporting fair and timely access to justice for communities throughout New Zealand. As part of the wider Courts and Tribunals system, this role provides a unique opportunity to work alongside members of the judiciary and contribute directly to the administration of justice.

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

We offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and development, including:

• 4.4 weeks annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements where possible
• Access to online learning and development tools
• Inclusive employee-led networks
• Opportunities to build specialist legal knowledge within the courts environment

With a wide range of careers across the Ministry, you'll have opportunities to grow your skills and develop your professional pathway.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is $69,845 with six monthly increases to $84,135.