Lawyer PAL1
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Have a strong desire to develop your career in criminal advocacy? 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 Lawyer PAL1 at our busy Manukau office. Reporting to a Legal team Manager you will: * Deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients. * Manage a varied caseload of criminal matters. * Provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers. He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience
To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and: * have a PAL 1 approval level and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand. * have confidence in your ability to develop credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community. * 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. Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include: * 4.4 weeks holiday leave * flexible work hours where possible * an online professional development portal * access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career. Utu ā-tau/Salary
The remuneration band for this role is $74,490 to $100,642 – while the appointing salary will be based on skills and experience, we are willing to pay higher in the band to attract strong candidates into this role. Tono mai/Apply
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 12 August 2026; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] and include “MOJ XXX” (job number) in your subject line.
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