Judges Clerk 2026 | Wellington Chief Judge's Chambers

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Wellington; On-site; NZD 68,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency in New Zealand is seeking a Judge's Clerk for the Chief District Court Judge in Wellington. The role involves legal research, drafting legal opinions, and assisting with policy development. Candidates must possess a law degree with strong academic achievement, along with excellent communication skills. The starting salary is $68,845, with potential progression. Applications close on 2 November, with early start expected in 2026.

Benefits

Wellbeing benefits

Opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Excellent academic achievement, particularly in criminal law.
• Desirable understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori.
• Accurate written and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Undertake legal research and draft legal opinions.
• Assist with policy development for the District Court.
• Respond to legal and procedural queries.

Skills

Law degree with excellent academic achievement

Understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori

Excellent written and communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Self-motivation and initiative

Organisational and time management skills

Education

Law degree

Job description

Job Description

CHIEF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE'S CHAMBERS

TE WHARE O NGĀ KAIHAUTŪ WAKA O TE KŌTI-Ā-ROHE O AOTEAROA

Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge

His Honour Judge Heemi Taumaunu

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

The Ministry of Justice invites applications for the position of Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge (“Chief Judge”). The position offers new graduates the opportunity to work closely with the Chief Judge for up to three years, gaining insight into the judicial process and broad exposure to the administration of the District Court of New Zealand, te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa.

The Judge's Clerk Will

• undertake legal research and draft legal opinions for the Chief Judge
• assist with policy development, and the drafting of protocols and practice notes for the District Court
• assist with projects relating to the administration of the District Court, including the provision of legal advice on strategic and operational matters relevant to the District Court judiciary
• keep up to date with changes in the law relevant to the District Court. This may include writing and circulating explanatory memoranda or case notes either at the request of the Chief Judge or on your own initiative
• undertake administrative duties including taking minutes for judicial committee meetings
• respond to legal and procedural queries
• provide legal research for conference papers and speeches
• on occasion, assist the Chief Judge with legal research to support judgment writing.

The Judge's Clerk will report directly to the Chief Judge. This is a full-time permanent position based in Wellington.

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

• a law degree with excellent academic achievement, particularly in criminal law. Electives such as criminal procedure, evidence, civil procedure, te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori or Māori customary law are of benefit
• an excellent understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori is desirable
• excellent and accurate written and communication skills
• problem-solving skills
• qualities such as self-motivation, efficiency and initiative, and the ability to work independently and without supervision
• excellent organisational and time management skills.

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 is the largest court in Australasia. Most New Zealanders who go to court will go through the entire justice process in the District Court. Each year, more than 200 Judges, acting Judges, Community Magistrates and Judicial Justices' of the Peace in 58 courthouses deal with approximately 200,000 criminal, family, youth and civil matters.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The starting salary is $68,845 with an opportunity to progress in six-monthly increments to $83,135 pa.

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.

If you wish to apply for this position please include your University transcript in your application pack and a copy of a recent legal opinion, thesis, essay or memorandum you have completed that should not exceed 2000 words.

The successful applicant will be expected to start early in 2026. All applications will be considered, including from those who are currently studying, but expect to complete studies at the end of 2025.

Applications close on 2 November; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail]