Senior Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group, Public Law

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Te Tari Ture o te Karauna | Crown Law Office
Senior Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group, Public Law

Mō mātou | About us

Crown Law's purpose is to serve New Zealand by supporting the Government to operate lawfully.

Crown Law's functions are:

• Supporting the Law Officers of the Crown
• Leading the government legal profession
• Overseeing public prosecutions
• Providing legal services to Government

Crown Law provides legal advice and representation services to the Government in matters affecting the executive government. The services Crown Law provides include matters covering judicial review of government actions, constitutional questions including Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi issues, the enforcement of criminal law, and the protection of revenue. Crown Law also administers the prosecution process in the criminal justice system, in particular, Crown prosecutions.

We strive to incorporate and reflect te reo Māori and tikanga in the workplace. Crown Law is also committed to flexibility and provides a range of flexible working arrangements that allow our team members to work in ways that allow them and the organisation to perform at their best.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We are looking to appoint two Senior Crown Counsel lawyers into the Crown Legal Risk Group, in two of the Public Law teams. One of the teams provides advice and litigation services focusing on natural resources issues, including climate change, resource management, conservation, transport and land law. The other team provides advice and litigation services focusing on fisheries, biosecurity, food safety and government-led inquiries. We would like to hear from lawyers who are interested in:

• advice work, litigation, mediation and negotiation for the Crown;
• contributing to robust government decision-making; and
• working on legally challenging issues.

We would like to talk to people with a range of skillsets, with public or private sector experience.

The Senior Crown Counsel role will appeal to senior practitioners who can oversee a wide range of high profile and complex advice and litigation at the same time as providing strategic and professional leadership within the Group, wider office, and the Government Legal Network. You will advise clients at the centre of government, including Ministers and Chief Executives. The mentoring and development of counsel are key elements of the role, and Senior Crown Counsel also play a key role in the effective management of work within the team.

The successful candidate will be a key leader within the team and Group offering guidance and expertise. The person will have a desire to meaningfully contribute to Crown Law's strategic direction. The successful candidate will also provide expertise in relation to the powers and functions of government, judicial review of executive action, legislative and parliamentary processes, the conduct of large-scale civil litigation, statutory appeals, common law claims against the Crown, and government-led inquiries.

For more information on the role, please refer to the attached position description.

Location: Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington

These roles are Wellington based and located next to Wellington bus and train station.

What we Offer

Crown Law promotes flexible working so we'd be happy to chat about what flexible working would look like for you and how we can support that. You will also receive:

• A starting salary range of between $195,538 and $224,373 with further room to progress. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.
• An annual wellness payment.
• 5 weeks annual leave plus 3 additional leave days (Crown Law days).
• Opportunities for development and growth across Crown Law.

Tēnā tonoa mai | Apply Now

All applications should include a covering letter and curriculum vitae.

To be considered for a position at Crown Law you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand and are required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Records check.

Access requirements and/or whānau support will be taken into account when arranging interviews.

If you have any additional questions about this role or would like to kōrero prior to applying, or if you have a disability that affects the submission of your application through the online process, please email HR@crownlaw.govt.nz.

For a copy of the Job Description visit: PD- Senior Crown Counsel

To apply, please use the following link: Senior Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group

Applications close at 5pm on 26 August 2025.

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