Principal Solicitor

Department of Corrections NZ; Wellington, Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Corrections NZ is seeking a Principal Solicitor, Prosecutions to lead and shape the national prosecutions function from our Wellington base. You will provide high-quality legal advice to frontline teams and work within the newly formed Prosecutions Team to implement system-level guidance.

The role requires 8+ years post-admission experience in prosecutions, strong advisory and leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across senior stakeholders in a public sector context.

Qualifications

• A lawyer with 8+ years of post admission experience, ideally in prosecutions.
• Demonstrated experience of prosecution processes, investigations, and evidential requirements.
• Experience preparing legal or court-related documents and supporting prosecution processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert prosecution advice and assurance on prosecution matters.
• Support nationwide prosecutions and build high performing internal prosecutions team.
• Develop and implement system advice and tools for prosecution activities.

Skills

8+ years PQE

Prosecution expertise

Legal drafting

Stakeholder engagement

Strong communication

Leadership

Education

Law degree

Job description

# Principal Solicitor## About this role* Play a vital role in significant nationwide change for Corrections prosecution practice* Support the Department's prosecution function by providing high-quality advice.* Based in Wellington office, working nationally**Mō te tūnga | About the role**The Department plays a vital role in the justice system, supporting those on community sentences to successfully complete their sentence, while also addressing any risk to public safety. As the second largest prosecutor in the New Zealand justice system, we make complex decisions about people who come into our management, aiming to reduce the chances of them returning to the justice system. The Legal Services Unit supports high-quality prosecution outcomes by providing advice to frontline probation colleagues and ensuring prosecution decisions are consistent with our prosecution policy.As the Principal Solicitor, Prosecutions you will be working in the newly formed Prosecutions Team, in the Legal Services Unit. This is an exciting time to join our team and be part of making a significant change to the way we manage our prosecutions role.As Principal Solicitor, Prosecutions, you will support us to establish a high performing internal prosecutions team who work at a systems level to support prosecutions nationwide, as well as providing expert advice on prosecution matters. This role requires sound judgement, attention to detail, and a commitment to working in a constructive, communicative and supportive way. The key to the success in this role will be the ability to develop and implement system advice and tools, drawing on your prosecutions knowledge and expertise. This role will work collaboratively with others in the Legal Services Unit and with senior leaders across the Department.**Mōu | About you**We are looking for someone who has experience working as a prosecutor and can provide expert advice and assurance on prosecution matters. You'll be looking to build on your leadership experience and use your experience to build systems and processes that support prosecution activity.You will understand the importance of providing high-quality, operationally minded and fit-for-purpose legal advice, with the ability to navigate the public sector environment, understand government decision-making, and build effective relationships and partnerships across a complex stakeholder landscapeIf you are interested in our work, enjoy working as part of a team, and have great skills, we would really like to hear from you!**Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience*** A lawyer with 8+ years of post admission experience, ideally in prosecutions* Demonstrated experience of prosecution processes, investigations, and evidential requirements.* Experience preparing legal or court-related documents and supporting prosecution processes* Strong communication skills with the ability to influence others with sound judgment, expert advice and a genuine commitment to work in partnership* The ability to analyse information, make sound decisions, and be accountable for delivering your contribution to the teamWhilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we are also looking for team members who want to contribute to an important change for the Department and are committed to its success. We are looking for a strong alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you build relationships with others.**Mō mātou | About us**Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Māori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whānau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hōkai Rangi strategy.We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.**Tono ināianei | Apply Now**To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency – applications received via email will not be considered.When applying, submit a tailored **CV and a cover letter** describing your motivation for joining the department highlighting relevant skills and experience and the alignment to our work.**Applications close on: Wednesday 14th October 2026**If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [e-mail], or visit **careers.corrections.govt.nz.****We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this role. Unsolicited CVs submitted by agencies will not be accepted and no agency fees will apply.**## Job details| | || --- | --- || Job reference: | APA/1960658 || Location: | Wellington (Te Whanganui a Tara) || Date posted: | 08-Oct-2026 || Application close date: | 14-Oct-2026 || Attachments: | Oct 2026 - Principal Solicitor, Prosecutions .pdf (PDF, 386KB) |