Solicitor/Intermediate Solicitor

Marketplace; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children in Auckland is seeking a Solicitor or Intermediate Solicitor to join the Regional Legal Team. The role focuses on high-quality legal advice, advocacy for social workers, and appearances before the Family Court and Youth Court to support outcomes for tamariki and whānau.

You will work in a dynamic, collaborative team, with opportunities to mentor junior colleagues, contribute to training, and help drive continuous improvement across Legal Services while

Qualifications

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and current practising certificate.
• 3+ years PQE and litigation experience for Intermediate level.
• Experience in family law, care and protection, youth justice, criminal law, or related litigation environments.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations; strong relationship-building.

Responsibilities

• Appear before Family Court and Youth Court for Oranga Tamariki.
• Provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy to social workers and site leadership teams.
• Offer strategic legal guidance on complex matters.
• Mentor and coach junior solicitors and deliver training to frontline staff.
• Support legal risk identification and continuous improvement across Legal Services.

Skills

Barrister & Solicitor

PQE 3+ years

Litigation experience

Family law

Communication skills

Stakeholder relations

Te Tiriti knowledge

Cultural competence

Driver's licence

Willing to travel

Job description

# Solicitor/Intermediate Solicitor at Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children, Auckland## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role* Permanent role based in Auckland* Make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau**Mō mātou | 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** first* We believe **Aroha** is vital* We respect the **Mana** of people* We are **Tika** and **Pono*** We value **Whakapapa*** We 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. **Mō te tūnga | About the role**We're looking for talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.Whether you are a Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced Solicitor seeking a role with purpose and impact, we'd love to hear from you.Based in Auckland, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, social work and child wellbeing. You'll provide 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, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.You'll work 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.Depending on your level of experience, you may also:* 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 ServicesThis is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in 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 rangatahi across Aotearoa. **Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring**To be successful in this role, you'll 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.* For **Intermediate** **Solicitor** appointments, you'll ideally bring 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or a strong interest in developing your advocacy practice.* Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts, or a strong desire to further develop your advocacy skills* Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments* Excellent written, verbal and 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, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities* A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānauYou'll also have a current full driver's licence and be willing to travel as required across the North Island region. **Nōu te rourou | 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.To learn more about our employee benefits, please visit Employee Benefits. **Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply**Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. As this opportunity is open to both Solicitor and Intermediate Solicitor candidates, please indicate in your application which level you wish to be considered for and outline the skills, experience and capability that support your application at that level. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info\\[e-mail] close at midnight on Thursday 5th November 2026.*If you are interested in joining Oranga Tamariki, please ensure you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.*## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children || Location: | Auckland || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Legal & courts || Date listed: | 22-Oct-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 05-Nov-2026 || Reference: | 43431 || Attachment: | || File links: | Solicitor PD.pdf || Website: | https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/home |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.