Solicitor/Intermediate Solicitor

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Professional development

Wellbeing focused environment

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. Based in Auckland, this role sits at the intersection of law, social work and child wellbeing, providing high‑quality legal advice and advocacy to social workers, site leadership teams and other staff.

A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court,

Qualifications

• Experience in litigation and confidence appearing before courts.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal guidance on complex matters.
• Support legal risk identification and management.
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues.
• Deliver training and education to frontline staff.
• Appear before Family Court and Youth Court on behalf of Oranga Tamariki.

Skills

Litigation experience

Court appearances

Advocacy skills

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of NZ

Job description

Permanent role based in AucklandMake a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānauMō mātou | About usOranga 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.Mō te tūnga | About the roleWe'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 mattersSupport legal risk identification and managementMentor and coach junior legal colleaguesDeliver training and education to frontline staffContribute 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 bringTo 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 skillsExperience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environmentsExcellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skillsStrong relationship-building capability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholdersSound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situationsAn understanding of, or commitment to developing your knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Te Ao MāoriAn appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including Pacific perspectivesResilience, adaptability and the ability to manage competing prioritiesA 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 youOranga 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 ApplyApply 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 [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.