Senior Lawyer PAL3

Ministry of Justice - New Zealand; Hamilton; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4.4 weeks holiday

Flexible work hours

Online PD portal

Inclusive networks

Job summary

The Ministry of Justice - New Zealand's Public Defence Service in Hamilton is seeking an experienced Senior Lawyer to deliver high quality defence representation and manage a varied criminal caseload. You may appear in the High Court and Court of Appeal when required, contributing to decisions at the highest levels.

You will train, mentor and supervise junior lawyers, working in a collaborative team that values respect, integrity and service.

Qualifications

• PAL3 level listing and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand.
• Proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community.
• Be comfortable being part of a team that supports and relies on one another.
• Enjoy sharing legal expertise and brainstorming with colleagues.
• Empathy and 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.
• Train, mentor and supervise junior lawyers.

Skills

PAL3 level listing

NZ practicing qualification

Mentor junior lawyers

Court appearances (High Court/Appeal)

Job description

Public Defence Service - Hamilton

Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Relish the opportunity to help more junior lawyers progress their careers? This is a truly exciting opportunity.

Role

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Senior Lawyer at our Hamilton office. Reporting to the Office Public Defender you will:

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

Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience

To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:

• Have a PAL3 level listing and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand
• have proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community.
• be comfortable to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another.
• enjoy sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and brainstorming.
• have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.

This is a challenging but truly satisfying role and our lawyers love what they do.

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 PDS is part of the Ministry of Justice and the wider justice sector. The Ministry provides centralised business services, infrastructure, and support to the work of the PDS.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) provides high-quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. Aimed at helping people access justice, the PDS promotes the values of respect, integrity, service and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.

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 you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 4.4 weeks holiday leave
• flexible work hours where possible
• an online professional development portal
• access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks

See our full range of benefits here.

Utu ā-tau/Salary

The remuneration band for this role is (PAL3) $119,572 and $164,287 while the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience, we are willing to pay higher in the band to attract strong candidates into this role.

Applications close on 21 September 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact [e-mail] and include “MOJ XXX” (job number) in your subject line.