Lawyer PAL1
Public Defence Service - New Zealand
Bay of Plenty, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 74,490 – NZD 95,403 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 1 week ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Education
- Qualified to practise law in New Zealand
- Eligibility
- Lawyers with PAL 1 approval who are qualified to practise law in New Zealand and have an interest in criminal defence work may apply.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Opportunity
The Public Defence Service in Tauranga is seeking a motivated and experienced criminal litigator for a Lawyer PAL 1 position. This is a chance to work on a broad range of cases in a supportive, collaborative environment while building a career in criminal advocacy.
Role overview
Reporting to a legal team manager, you will join a busy criminal defence team and contribute to high-quality representation for legally aided clients.
Key duties
- Provide strong defence representation for legally aided clients.
- Handle a diverse criminal caseload.
- Support intermediate and senior colleagues with their work.
Skills and experience
To succeed in this role, you need a genuine commitment to criminal justice and the ability to work confidently in a demanding legal setting.
- PAL 1 approval and qualification to practise law in New Zealand.
- Confidence in building credibility with judges, peers, and others in the legal profession.
- Willingness to share legal knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate.
- Empathy and the ability to connect with people from varied backgrounds.
About the organisation
The Public Defence Service is part of the Ministry of Justice and the wider justice sector in New Zealand. It provides legal advice and representation across the full range of criminal matters and works to improve access to justice. The Ministry of Justice supports the PDS through centralised business services, infrastructure, and operational support.
The organisation values respect, integrity, service, and excellent client delivery. It also states that it welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.
Benefits
- Access to a structured national training programme.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Professional supervision.
- Company laptop and mobile phone.
Salary
The salary for this position is set between NZ$74,490 and NZ$95,403, depending on skills and experience.
Application information
Applications close on 29 June 2026. CVs may be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may be scheduled before the closing date. Candidates are asked to submit a CV and cover letter through the careers application process.
For queries, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.