Senior Solicitor – Maritime Regulation & Prosecutions

Maritimenz; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 119,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Maritime NZ is seeking a Senior Solicitor to provide expert legal advice and lead complex litigation across regulatory and enforcement work. This senior role sits in the Litigation and Operations unit and requires close collaboration with investigators and operational leaders to safeguard maritime safety and environmental outcomes.

Based in Wellington with the option for other regions, the role involves court appearances, prosecutions, and advising on investigations, with opportunities to

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with a Bachelor of Laws or higher and admission to the NZ High Court.
• Current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).
• Minimum of 7 years' post-qualification experience.
• Proven criminal litigation and prosecution experience.
• Experience in transport law, maritime, environmental, security and health & safety issues.
• Ability to obtain Prosecutor classification at Level 2 or higher.
• Experience advising on investigations or regulatory enforcement matters.
• In-house public sector experience and understanding of Public Law and machinery of government.
• Ability to apply legislation and common law to maritime obligations.
• Ability to independently manage complex files and advise senior stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy skills and confidence appearing in court.
• Excellent judgement, problem-solving, relationship management, communication and influencing skills.
• Sound leadership and coaching skills.
• Pragmatic, commercially-minded approach to legal risk.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert legal advice and litigation support across regulatory and enforcement activities.
• Support incident investigations, health and safety regulatory functions, prosecutions and court proceedings.
• Work with investigators and operational leaders to provide pragmatic legal advice while managing complex litigation.
• Appear in court and advise on criminal investigations and enforcement decisions.
• Manage relationships with Crown Solicitors and external legal providers.
• Support Maritime NZ's response to significant incidents.

Skills

Criminal litigation experience

Public law understanding

Regulatory enforcement experience

Advising on investigations

Court advocacy skills

Interpreting legislation

Strategic legal advisory

Education

Bachelor of Laws or higher

Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ

Current practising certificate

Job description

Maritime NZ is seeking a Senior Solicitor to provide expert legal advice and lead complex litigation across regulatory and enforcement work. This senior role sits in the Litigation and Operations unit and requires close collaboration with investigators and operational leaders to safeguard maritime safety and environmental outcomes.

Based in Wellington with the option for other regions, the role involves court appearances, prosecutions, and advising on investigations, with opportunities to