Junior Lawyer
Ministry of Justice - New Zealand
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 67,015 – NZD 85,498 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 14 hours ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Law degree
- Eligibility
- Candidates who are admitted to the New Zealand Bar, or who will be admitted within two months of applying, and who are eligible for a practising certificate and interested in criminal law.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Role overview
The Public Defence Service in Hawke’s Bay is seeking a junior criminal lawyer who is keen to build a career in criminal advocacy. This position sits within the Hawke’s Bay PDS team and offers exposure to a broad range of criminal matters.
The role is suited to people who are eligible for a practising certificate, have an interest in criminal law, and want to grow in a specialist public defence environment. Applicants must include a copy of their academic transcript with their application.
This opportunity may appeal to lawyers admitted to the Bar, those aiming to specialise in criminal law, or candidates with experience as a registrar, police prosecutor, barrister’s assistant, community law centre worker, or in a government department.
What the role involves
You will handle a varied caseload that includes trials and court appearances. The work is demanding but rewarding, and you will be supported by experienced colleagues who will help guide your professional growth.
The Public Defence Service is recognised as a strong training ground, with a well-developed professional learning programme in criminal litigation and ongoing opportunities to progress your legal career.
Skills and experience needed
To be successful, you must be admitted to the New Zealand Bar, or be expected to be admitted within two months of applying. You should also show a genuine commitment to criminal justice issues and enjoy working collaboratively.
In this role, you will build credibility with judges, colleagues, and others in the legal community. You should be comfortable contributing ideas in a close-knit team, able to show empathy, and capable of relating well to people from diverse backgrounds.
About the Ministry of Justice and Public Defence Service
Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice works to strengthen public trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Public Defence Service is part of the Ministry and the wider justice sector, with centralised support services and infrastructure provided by the Ministry.
The Public Defence Service delivers high-quality legal advice and representation across the full range of criminal cases, with a focus on helping people access justice. Its values include respect, integrity, service, and excellent client care.
The Ministry welcomes people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.
Benefits
You will have access to a national training programme that is already well established, along with professional development support, a supervision programme, a laptop, and a mobile phone.
Salary and application details
The salary range for this position is between NZ$67,015 and NZ$85,498, depending on skills and experience.
To apply, candidates must submit a CV, a cover letter, and an online application through the careers portal. The application deadline is 24 July 2026, although applications may be reviewed as they are received and interviews may begin before the closing date.
If you have any questions, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz and include the job number “MOJ XXX” in the subject line.