Intermediate/Senior Solicitor

Permanent role based in Wellington or Nelson Make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do.

In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga is a journey We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child.

We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutionsfor tamariki and rangatahiin need.

About the role

We’re looking for talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Whether you are an Intermediate Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced Senior Solicitor seeking a role with purpose and impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Based in either Wellington or Nelson, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, social work and child wellbeing.

You’ll provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy services to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff.

A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.

You’ll work as part of a dynamic and collaborative legal team that supports the organisation to achieve its vision of ensuring all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where their wellbeing can be realised.

Depending on your level of experience, you may also

• Provide strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters
• Support legal risk identification and management
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues
• Deliver training and education to frontline staff
• Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services
• What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate.
• For Intermediate Solicitor appointments, you’ll ideally bring 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or a strong interest in developing your advocacy practice.
• For Senior Solicitor appointments, you’ll ideally bring 5+ years PQE and demonstrated experience providing high-quality legal advice and advocacy in complex matters.
• Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts, or a strong desire to further develop your advocacy skills.
• Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building capability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations.
• An understanding of, or commitment to developing your knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori.
• An appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including Pacific perspectives.
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• You’ll also have a current full driver's licence and be willing to travel as required across the Upper South Island/ Lower North Island region.
• What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that recognises experience and supports annual progression through tenure.

• Annual remuneration for this position is dependent on the level of appointment:
• Intermediate Solicitor: $90,429 - $100,019 per annum
• Senior Solicitor: $106,416 - 117,782 per annum

The successful candidate will be appointed to either the Intermediate or Senior Solicitor level based on their skills, experience and demonstrated capability.

• Vibrant and supportive team
• Flexible work options
• Genuine commitment to wellbeing
• Significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow
• We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way

This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To learn more about our employee benefits, please visit Employee Benefits.

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