Mō mātou - About us
Crown Law provides legal advice and representation services to the government in matters affecting the executive government, particularly in the areas of criminal, public law and Treaty of Waitangi. Crown Law's vision is to provide collaborative, indispensable legal services.
Crown Law embraces diversity and is committed to an inclusive workplace. We recognise and celebrate the uniqueness of individuals and celebrate the collective talent of all employees. We strive to put Te Tiriti and Te Ao Māori at the heart of everything we do. Having knowledge and understanding of Te Reo and tikanga Māori is recognised and valued within the organisation.
Mō te Tūranga - About the roles
We are looking to appoint two experienced lawyers into the Crown Legal Risk Group, in the Public Law 2 team. Our team provides advice and litigation services to agencies responsible for social services, health and care of tamariki. We would like to hear from lawyers who are interested in:

• advice work, litigation, mediation and negotiation for the Crown;
• contributing to robust government decision-making; and
• working on legally challenging issues.

We would like to talk to people with a range of skillsets, with public or private sector experience. Litigation experience is an advantage but not a prerequisite.
Crown Counsel
The Crown Counsel role offers cutting edge work spanning a range of areas of law. Crown Counsel have frequent litigation opportunities in the Senior Courts and contact with Ministers and senior government officials.
Crown Counsel have responsibility for litigation files, either with autonomy as lead counsel, or may fit within a team on large litigation, collaborating with senior and junior lawyers.
The role provides development opportunities for anyone who wants to pursue a career in public law. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take on a leadership role in mentoring junior staff and building relationships with our departmental clients.
Senior Crown Counsel
The Senior Crown Counsel role will appeal to senior practitioners who can oversee a wide range of high profile and complex advice and litigation at the same time as providing strategic and professional leadership within the Group, wider office, and the Government Legal Network. You will advise clients at the centre of government, including Ministers and Chief Executives. The mentoring and development of counsel are key elements of the role, and Senior Crown Counsel also play a key role in the effective management of work within the team.
The successful candidate will be a key leader within the team and Group offering guidance and expertise. The person will have a desire to meaningfully contribute to Crown Law's strategic direction. The successful candidate will also provide expertise in relation to the powers and functions of government, judicial review of executive action, legislative and parliamentary processes, the conduct of large-scale civil litigation, statutory appeals, common law claims against the Crown, and government-led inquiries.
Location: Te Whanganui-a-Tara - Wellington
These roles are Wellington based and located near the Wellington railway and bus stations. We also support different flexible working arrangements to enable us to be at our best. Please talk to us about how we can make this work for you.
Remuneration and benefits
The starting salary range for the Crown Counsel role is $114,585 to $187,839.
The starting salary range for the Senior Crown Counsel role is $195,538 to $224,373 with further room to progress.
The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience.
In addition, you will also receive additional benefits such as an annual wellness payment, funding for your practising certificate and study, five weeks annual leave plus three additional leave days (Crown Law days) and opportunities for development and growth across Crown Law.
Tēnā tonoa mai - Apply now
All applications should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcript.
Please indicate your preference for either the Crown Counsel or Senior Crown Counsel role in your cover letter.
To be considered for a position at Crown Law you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand and are required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Records Check.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, 16 September 2024.
To apply, please use the following link: Crown Counsel and Senior Crown Counsel, Public Law
If you have any questions, please contact HR@crownlaw.govt.nz
For a copy of the Job Description visit: Crown-Counsel-and-Senior-Crown-Counsel.pdf
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