Legal and Research Counsel
Public Defence Service - New Zealand
Auckland, New Zealand · Full Time
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- Experience
- 1–2 yrs
- Salary
- NZD 74,634 – NZD 95,591 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 1 week ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Bachelor of Laws
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
About the Role
We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Legal and Research Counsel to join our team on a fixed-term basis until January 2027, located in Auckland. This position demands enthusiasm, initiative, and a strong eye for detail to offer timely, robust, and precise legal assistance to New Zealand's Coroners and the Coroners Court.
Key Responsibilities
- Drafting initial versions of Coroners' findings under the guidance of Coroners and the team manager.
- Conducting legal research upon requests from the Chief Coroner or Coroners.
- Acting as counsel in Coroners Court, assisting Coroners during inquests as experience permits, requiring the ability to obtain a practicing certificate.
- Analyzing legislation, including coronial and medical law.
Candidate Profile and Experience
- Possession of a Bachelor of Laws degree is mandatory.
- Proven strength in legal drafting and research; prior drafting experience is a plus.
- Exceptional attention to detail, including spelling and grammar.
- Minimum of 1-2 years post-qualification experience.
- Strong interpersonal communication capabilities.
- Excellent time management skills with experience meeting legal deadlines.
- Cultural understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori, and their customs.
- High resilience for working with sensitive and potentially traumatic content.
No applicant is expected to fulfill every qualification perfectly; however, a law degree and eligibility for a practicing certificate are essential.
Salary and Application Details
The salary range for this appointment is between NZD 74,634 and NZD 95,591 pro rata, with the likely appointment between NZD 82,694 and NZD 87,531 pro rata, depending on experience and skills.
Additional Information
This role involves meaningful engagement with community members undergoing difficult circumstances, contributing to a safer society, and collaborating with a unique judiciary subset in an intriguing legal area.
Applications close on 27 July 2026. For inquiries, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.