Te whiwhinga mahi/The Opportunity
We are currently seeking an experienced and proactive individual to join our Legal and Research Counsel/Advisor team. This is a role where your enthusiasm, initiative and keen eye for detail will be key in providing timely, robust and accurate legal support to New Zealand's Coroners and the Coroners Court.
Primarily, you will be drafting Coroners' findings and recommendations. In addition, you will be tasked with providing high quality legal and research support to the Coroners and the Coroners Court.
You will also assist Coroners with inquests. In doing so, you will be providing meaningful mahi and communication to our community members who are going through trying and difficult times. You will help make New Zealand a safer society, build working relationships with a unique subset of judiciary and be exposed to a fascinating area of law and justice.
Duties include:

• Preparing initial drafts of Coroners' findings at the direction of Coroners and team manager.
• Undertaking legal research either at the request of the Chief Coroner or Coroners.
• Appearing in the Coroners Court as counsel to assist the Coroner, or as junior to counsel to assist, once valid practicing certificate is held.
• Assisting in the analysis of legislation and coronial and medical law.

He pūkenga tou/Skills and Experience
To be successful in the role you will have:

• Excellent drafting and legal research skills. Experience with legal drafting will be advantageous.
• Meticulous spelling, grammar and attention to detail.
• A Bachelor of Laws degree.
• 1-2 years+ PQE.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Fantastic time and self-management skills, including experience working with legal deadlines.
• An understanding of Te Ao Māori, Te Reo Māori me onā tikanga.
• High level of resilience and ability to work with sensitive and traumatic material.

No candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and believe you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you!

Ko wai mātou/Who we are
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.
Our team consists of nine Legal and Research Counsels and a team manager, based across Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. We work closely together and are often involved in peer reviewing each other's findings. As a team spread across Aotearoa, being tight knit is important and as such is something we take to heart.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

He aha ngā painga o tēnei mahi mōu/Why you will enjoy working here

• A comprehensive flexible working policy, with hybrid working from home options when you are established in the role.
• Contributions to prescriptions for glasses.
• Online professional development portal.
• Access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks, including Pacifica, Māori, Rainbow and Women's.
• Free and confidential counselling sessions.

Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $72,634 and $100,846 based on skills and experience, however we are likely to be appointing between $80,694 and $85,531.

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.
Applications close on 15 November 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz