Legal Counsel | Rōia

New Zealand Government; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 88,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks' leave

15 days sick leave

Flexible working (WFH)

EAP service

Discounts on health insurance

Learning and professional development

Job summary

The Health and Disability Commissioner seeks a Legal Counsel to support the Director of Proceedings in Wellington. This permanent, full‑time role focuses on prosecuting disciplinary proceedings and related litigation, including file management, case preparation, and appearances before tribunals and courts.

You will join a fun, friendly and supportive team. The role requires at least two years’ PQE in litigation, with experience in administrative or health law being advantageous.

Qualifications

• At least two years' PQE experience in managing and undertaking litigation.
• Experience in administrative and/or health law is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with sound judgement and attention to detail.
• Ability to assess complex information quickly and manage competing priorities.
• Initiative, self-motivation and high professional standards.
• Strong collaboration and sensitive communication skills.
• Commitment to protecting the rights of health and disability services consumers.
• Awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and Māori aspirations.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Proceedings in the prosecution of disciplinary proceedings and other litigation.
• Manage files, prepare cases, and appear before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, the Human Rights Review Tribunal, and the courts.
• Ensure efficient, effective, and economical management of proceedings activities.

Skills

Litigation

Administrative law

Health law

Analytical thinking

Prioritisation

Team collaboration

Job description

# Legal Counsel | Rōia at Health and Disability Commissioner, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Permanent, full time* 2 years + PQE* Experience in undertaking and managing litigation* Wellington based* Fun, friendly and supportive team and environment**Ko wai tātou | Who we are** The Health and Disability Commissioner promotes and protects the rights of health and disability services consumers and facilitates the fair and efficient resolution of complaints relating to infringements of those rights.**Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**We are seeking to appoint a junior to intermediate litigator to join the Director of Proceedings' Team in Wellington. This is a full time, permanent position.The Director of Proceedings is the Commissioner's independent prosecutor. The Director is required to make independent decisions on cases referred by the Commissioner and to take proceedings before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, the Human Rights Review Tribunal, and the courts. The Director is responsible for the efficient, effective, and economical management of proceedings activities.The role of the Legal Counsel is to assist the Director of Proceedings in the prosecution of disciplinary proceedings and other litigation, as agreed with the Director, including all aspects of file management, case preparation, and appearance before the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, the Human Rights Review Tribunal, and the courts.#### **Ko ngā mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitū te haere | What you'll need to be successful:*** At least **two years' PQE** experience managing and undertaking litigation.* Experience in **administrative and/or health law** is advantageous.* Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with sound judgement and attention to detail.* Ability to assess complex information quickly and manage competing priorities.* Initiative, self-motivation, and high professional standards.* Strong collaboration and sensitive communication skills.* Commitment to protecting the rights of **health and disability services consumers**.* Awareness of **Te Tiriti o Waitangi | the Treaty of Waitangi** and the aspirations of Māori.* Cultural awareness and respect for diverse values and beliefs.Domestic travel, including staying away overnight, is required for internal meetings and interviewing complainants and witnesses, and for hearings.**Awhe utu - Salary range**As part of our remuneration framework the base salary range for the position is from $87,687 to $109,609. Note: KiwiSaver / employer contribution is in addition to your base salary. We offer a range of benefits including:* Five weeks' leave and 15 days sick leave* EAP service* Flexible working opportunities, including working from home (3 days in the office and up to 2 days at home)* Discounts on health insurance* Learning and professional development opportunities**If you're keen to see the direct impact your contribution can have for the health and disability sector, this is your opportunity to see the positive outcomes first hand.**View the Position Description for Legal Counsel position here or follow the link below (copy and paste in the web browser).**https://hdc.elmotalent.co.nz/uploads/hdc/files/PD%20Legal%20Counsel%20to%20Director%20of%20Proceedings%20February%202025.pdf**All applicants must complete the online HDC application form to be considered. Applications can be submitted via visitiong https://www.hdc.org.nz/careers/, Your CV and Cover Letter can be attached within the application.E-mail enquiries to ***[e-mail]*** Applications for this role close on **6 October 2026**Note for recruitment agencies: we are managing this recruitment process directly and are not accepting agency submissions for this vacancy. If agency support is required, we will contact our preferred recruitment partners directly. Thank you for your understanding.**Please note:** Applications will be reviewed as they're received, and the role may close early if suitable candidates are found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Health and Disability Commissioner || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Legal & courts || Date listed: | 22-Sep-2026 || Salary range: | $87,687 - $109,609 || Closing date: | 06-Oct-2026 || Reference: | NZ/LC\\_WLG || Attachment: | No File Attached || File links: | || Website: | https://www.hdc.org.nz/job-vacancies/ |