Job Description
Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
Public Defence Service
Office Public Defender - Hastings
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
An incredible opportunity for a dynamic people leader and seasoned senior lawyer, to grow their career in a supportive, collegial and busy environment.
Reporting directly to the National Public Defender, you will:
- Be an integral part of both the office Leadership team and the national PDS management team
- Be critical to the achievement of PDS's operational and Strategic goals
- Provide day-to-day management and leadership of an outstanding team of lawyers
- Engage in key external relationships to support the delivery of an improved legal service
- Have a criminal lawyer provider approval at level 4, or the ability to obtain it in the near future and be qualified to practise law in New Zealand.
Ō pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience
To be successful, you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and have the skills and experience to:
- Set the tone, expectations and culture of the office, creating an environment of trust, respect and ongoing learning.
- Develop business and workforce strategies and implement vision.
- Lead, engage and inspire your people to deliver a professional and dynamic service.
- Deliver highly effective advocacy, stakeholder management, communication and leadership.
This is a challenging but truly satisfying job, and our lawyers love what they do.
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
You never know what each day will bring. I love the rush the job can bring whilst being able to sit and critically think about a legal issue. (Claire)
We will provide you with:
- Access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme
- Professional development and opportunities to attend conferences
- A professional supervision programme
- A laptop and mobile phone.
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 appointing salary for this role will be between $148,972 and $206,570 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 20 June 2025, 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