Senior Solicitor - Permanent Palmerston North

• Palmerston North Location
• Opportunity to help make a real difference
• No time recording or fee targets
• Plenty of people engagement and court time
• Ongoing training and development
• Supportive team environment and management

About the role | Mō te tūnga
We are looking for an experienced litigation lawyer with excellent legal skills to lead in our dynamic and agile legal team. This role is based in our Palmerston North Office.
Our team supports Oranga Tamariki to achieve the goal of all tamariki being in loving whānau and communities where Oranga Tamariki can be realised.
In this fast-paced, exciting role you will play a key role providing legal advice and advocacy services to social workers and other staff. Your work will involve court time conducting litigation on behalf of Oranga Tamariki, with a focus on ensuring good outcomes for tamariki and their whānau. You will also assist the Regional Legal Manager to identify, manage and strategize legal risk. You will be excited to provide mentoring to other legal colleagues and enjoy leading training.
Whilst key work occurs outside of the courtroom - advising and collaborating this position does include significant court time. This is a role where your internal and external relationships will enable you to work collectively to make a positive difference for our tamariki.
About us | Mō mātou
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
Our purpose is to ensure that all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where oranga tamariki can be realised. We believe that by getting involved early in their lives and showing love and care, we give children the best chance of growing into happy thriving New Zealanders.
What you will bring | Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu

• You will have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate
• You are driven by a desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities
• You are committed to helping us honour our treaty commitments to Māori to improve long-term outcomes
• You thrive in a job where no day is the same but each day your mahi matters
• You are committed to continuing your own Te Ao Māori development and cultural competence
• You have a sound understanding of either family or criminal (youth justice) law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area
• You have excellent communication, digital and written skills
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture
• You are person with who works with integrity; is honest, transparent and you keep your word
• You enjoy being a part of a team and collaborating with others
• A clean driving licence and ability to use Oranga Tamariki vehicles to travel within region

What's in it for you | Nōu te rourou
Oranga Tamariki offer an impartial remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $106,000 and $132,000 per annum, dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing.
We offer 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 see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit https://mahi.orangatamariki.govt.nz/working-with-us/employee-benefits/
How to Apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono
Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you register or login using your work email address.
For reporting and transparency, it is important that all applications are submitted through our careers site, please do not email through applications and/or CVs.
If you have any questions about this role, please contact Director Regional Legal Services - Louise Murdoch by emailing louise.murdoch@ot.govt.nz
Oranga Tamariki is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also support flexible working arrangements.
If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol
Applications Close: Wednesday 18 September 2024