Assistant Legal Counsel
Office of the Chief District Court Judge (Te Whare)
Permanent Full Time
Te Haeata/The Chance
The Assistant Legal Counsel provides legal advice, research, and operational support to the Office of the Chief District Court Judge (Te Whare) and contributes to ensuring that decisions and initiatives undertaken by Te Whare are legally sound, strategically informed, and operationally effective.
Job Description
The role works closely with the Chief District Court Judge and Legal Counsel, providing legal advice to support the discharge of the Chief Judge's statutory role of ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of the business of the court.
This includes developing advice on matters relating to the operation of the District Court, constitutional matters, as well as judicial conduct and judicial terms and conditions.
The Assistant Legal Counsel also provides professional guidance, feedback and coaching to the Judges' Clerks who work in the Office, and plays an active role in fostering a supportive learning setting.
This position is based in Wellington and reports to the Legal Counsel.
Key responsibilities
Provide timely, well-researched, accurate and practical legal advice on matters affecting the operation and administration of the District Court
Undertake complex legal research and prepare briefing papers, legal opinions, submissions and correspondence
Assist the Legal Counsel in advising the Chief District Court Judge and Judicial Leadership Team on strategic, constitutional, operational and judicial administration matters
Develop and update protocols and practice notes for the District Court
Monitor legislative,



policy and case law developments relevant to the District Court and prepare explanatory briefings where appropriate
Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience
A recognised law degree and a commitment to ongoing professional development
Admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of Current Zealand and holder of an annual practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society
Approximately 4 – 7 years post qualification legal experience
Experience undertaking legal research and providing legal advice on complex matters.
Experience within the public sector, justice sector, courts, or litigation practice, or familiarity with court procedure, would be advantageous
What You Need To Be Successful
Understanding of New Zealand's constitutional framework, including the separation of powers, the role of the judiciary, and the constitutional conventions that underpin judicial independence and impartiality
Knowledge of the District Court's statutory framework and operations
Ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and confidently to a wide range of audiences
Strong legal research, analytical and drafting skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to manage competing priorities, and respond to changing needs
Excellent relationship skills and confidence to engage with,



and obtain the trust and confidence of, the judiciary
Knowledge of tikanga and te reo Māori would be an advantage
Mō Mātou/About Us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The Office of the Chief District Court Judge, known as the Chief District Court Judge's Chambers / Te Whare o Ngā Kaihautū Waka o Te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa, is a small, high-impact team that provides administrative, advisory, operational and strategic support to the District Court Judicial Leadership team, the Kaihautū, comprising the Chief District Court Judge, Principal Family Court Judge, Principal Youth Court Judge, National Executive Judge, and Chief Community Magistrate.
This support enables the Kaihautū to undertake their statutory and non-statutory functions and their overall leadership and administration of the District Court to ensure the delivery of timely, impartial and open justice.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture – Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
Benefits
4.4 weeks holiday leave
flexible work hours where possible
an online professional development portal
access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $99,208 and $127,683 based on skills and experience
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