- Job Type: Permanent Full Time
- Category: Legal
- Location: Bay of Plenty
- Date Advertised: 05-AUG-25
- Job Reference: MOJ/1877853
- Job Title: Senior Lawyer PAL4/Team Leader
- Business Unit:
- Division:
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- Job Duration:N/A
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Public Defence Service - Tauranga
Senior Criminal Defence Lawyer/ Team Leader – PAL 4
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Do you have team management experience? Are you looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Do you enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment and relish the opportunity to help more junior lawyers progress their careers? This is a truly exciting opportunity.
The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Senior Lawyer PAL4/Team Leader at our Tauranga office. Reporting to the Tauranga 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
- manage a small team of lawyers.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:
- have a PAL4 level listing and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand
- have proven team leadership and management experience
- have 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.
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.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be:
PAL4 between $129,614 and $179,876 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/How to Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on 11 August, however we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may be inviting candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz