Lawyer PAL2

Opportunity

The Public Defence Service North Shore is seeking a skilled criminal defence lawyer for the PAL 2 level. This role offers a varied caseload, a collaborative workplace, and a strong platform for building a career in criminal advocacy.

Position summary

Based at the North Shore (Albany) office, the successful candidate will join the Public Defence Service and report to a Legal Team Manager. The role focuses on delivering high-quality defence work for legally aided clients while contributing to team capability and client service.

Key duties

• Provide strong defence representation for legally aided clients.
• Handle a broad range of criminal files and matters.
• Support intermediate and senior legal staff as needed.
• Contribute to the coaching and mentoring of junior lawyers.

Skills and experience

The ideal applicant will be committed to criminal justice and bring the confidence, professionalism, and empathy needed to succeed in a busy advocacy environment.

• PAL 2 approval and qualification to practise law in New Zealand are required.
• Ability to build credibility with judges, colleagues, and others in the legal profession.
• Comfort with sharing legal knowledge, discussing ideas, and solving problems collaboratively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with people from diverse backgrounds.

About the organisation

Te Tāhū o te Ture, the Ministry of Justice, is focused on strengthening trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Public Defence Service is part of the Ministry and the wider justice sector, providing legal advice and representation across a full range of criminal cases. Its purpose is to help people access justice while upholding respect, integrity, service, and excellent client care.

The Ministry of Justice is committed to creating a workplace that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.

What’s offered

• 4.4 weeks of annual leave.
• Access to a well-developed national training programme.
• Opportunities for professional growth and progression.
• A professional supervision programme.
• Provision of a laptop and mobile phone.

Salary

The pay range for this position is between NZD 74,490 and NZD 95,403 per year, depending on skills and experience.

Additional information

This is a challenging role that is also highly rewarding. The work is varied, fast-paced, and intellectually engaging.

Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter through the organisation’s careers site. Applications close on 21 June 2026. CVs will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may begin before the closing date. For questions, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.