Solicitor/Intermediate Solicitor

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Wellbeing focus

Training and development

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Auckland is seeking talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau. You will provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff.

A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for

Qualifications

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand.
• For Intermediate Solicitor appointments, 3+ years PQE and litigation experience.
• Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law or related litigation environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters.
• Support legal risk identification and management.
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues.
• Deliver training and education to frontline staff.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services.

Skills

Litigation

Family law

Care and protection law

Youth justice

Criminal law

Court appearances

Legal advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Te Tiriti knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Barrister & Solicitor NZ

3+ years PQE

Job description

Permanent role based in Auckland Make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

Mōmātou| About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:We put Tamariki firstWe believe Aroha is vitalWe respect the Mana of peopleWe are Tika and PonoWe value WhakapapaWe recognise that Oranga is a journeyWe are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki and rangatahi in need.

Mōtetūnga| About the role

We'relooking for talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahiand whānau. Whether you are a Solicitorlooking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced Solicitorseeking a role with purpose and impact,we'dlove to hear from you. Based in Auckland, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, socialworkand child wellbeing. You'llprovide high-quality legal advice and advocacy services to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff. A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court,representingOranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and their whānau. You'llwork as part of a dynamic and collaborative legal team that supports the organisation to achieve its vision of ensuring all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where their wellbeing can be realised.

• Providestrategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters
• Support legal risk identification and management
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues
• Deliver training and education to frontline staff
• Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services

This is an opportunity to apply your legalexpertisein a role where no two days are the same and where your mahi has a direct and lasting impact on the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahiacross Aotearoa.

Ngāpūmanawatangaōu| What you will bring

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate.
• ForIntermediateSolicitor appointments,you'llideally bring 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or a strong interest in developing your advocacy practice.
• Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts, ora strong desireto further develop your advocacy skills
• Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments
• Excellent written,verbaland interpersonal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building capability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations
• An understanding of, or commitment to developing your knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori
• An appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including Pacific perspectives
• Resilience,adaptabilityand the ability to manage competing priorities
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki,rangatahiand whānau
• You'llalso have a current full driver's licence and be willing to travel asrequiredacross the North Islandregion.

Nōuterourou| What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that recognises experience and supports annual progression through tenure. The successful candidate will be appointed to either the Solicitor or Intermediate Solicitor level based on their skills, experience, and demonstrated capability. We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

• Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that recognises experience and supports annual progression through tenure.
• We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.
• We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow.
• We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way.
• This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To learn more about our employee benefits, please visit Employee Benefits.