New Zealand Ministry of Justice Looking for Assistant Office Public Defender at Auckland City, Auckland Full Time

Te āhuatunga a te tūranga/About the Role

As our office continues to expand and the re-introduction of two South Auckland Courts, we are now looking to appoint for a second Assistant Public Defender to our Manukau office. We are looking for an experienced senior criminal lawyer with significant experience in conducting a variety of criminal matters, effective people leadership skills, and who is a motivated and inspiring leader.

Reporting to the Public Defender and a member of the Senior Management Team, the role of the Assistant Public Defender is to lead and manage a unit of legal teams. They are responsible for the daily operation of the office and ensuring that staff have the knowledge, skills, resources, systems, and processes required to deliver high quality services. To achieve this, they will have a key coordination role across the office. These roles will work closely with the Public Defender, their Legal Team Managers and Principal Lawyers to ensure all teams work collaboratively and working relationships remain strong and constructive. They will deputise for the Public Defender as required and deliver an assigned caseload at a senior level.

Mō te tīma/About our Team

At Te Tāhū o te Ture – the Ministry of Justice, we’re committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.

The PDS provides high quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. Aimed at helping people access justice, the PDS promotes the values of respect, integrity, service and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.

We have an important role in helping some of our most marginalised people access justice in New Zealand.

Our Manukau office is the largest of the PDS offices – with around 60 legal and support staff. It is a busy and sometimes demanding environment with variety and challenge in one of the fastest growing communities in the country.

Joining the Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an inclusive organisation that values you and the communities we serve. It’s our promise to ensure our workplace is one where our people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and one where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

Join us now

We are looking for someone who:

• Will demonstrate drive, optimism and delivery-focus to make things happen and achieve results.
• Will engage and inspire our people to deliver a professional and dynamic service.
• Will set the tone, expectations and culture of the teams in your charge, creating an environment of trust, respect and ongoing learning.
• Will have the ability to manage a wide range of tasks and have strong people management skills, including expertise in mentoring, coaching and training.
• Is a skilled advocate who thrives on taking challenging cases.
• Is committed to be the voice of some of the most marginalised people in the criminal justice system.
• Is passionate about criminal justice.
• Enjoys sharing their legal expertise, exchanging ideas and is resolution focussed.
• Is happy to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another.

Ka whiwhi koe i te aha/What you will get in return

As a valued member of the team, you will enjoy benefits such as:

• incredible work/life balance
• generous leave entitlements
• flexible working arrangements and part time options
• first class training and outstanding professional development
• outstanding administrative support
• a competitive salary

As well as other benefits such as discounts on gym memberships, dentists, medical insurance and hearing and eye test contributions

Tono mai/How to Apply

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

We are looking to appoint in the range of $139,662 to $182,382 (85%-111%).

If you would like a confidential discussion before making an application, please contact Mark Williams, Public Defender Manukau via email; Mark.williams@PDS.govt.nz.

Applications close: 2 June 2022.

The Ministry’s top priority is the safety and wellbeing of its employees. We already have existing protocols in place to provide a safe workplace. We’re now strengthening those protocols with a COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring that all roles across Te Tāhū o te Ture are carried out by people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All candidates are required to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status as part of the application process.

If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz