• Solicitor (fixed term) until 30 June 2025
• Senior solicitor roles (permanent)
• Flexible working to support your work-life balance
• Supportive and dynamic team
• Available as permanent, fixed term or secondment

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role
This team is responsible for providing legal advice across the Ministry's policy and operational portfolios, ensuring the Ministry complies with its statutory obligations, at a minimum, and litigation management where the Minister or the Ministry is the subject of legal proceedings.
The purpose of this role is to work in partnership with the organisation to provide expert in-house legal advice for Ministers, and the Ministry on a wide range of issues. In particular, you will advise on public and environmental law issues as they affect the Ministry's operations with a particular focus on policy and legislative development. Advising on climate change and reform of the resource management system will be a key focus as well as supporting the internal management of litigation. Advice is required to be delivered in a range of formats and varied timeframes to suit the needs of internal clients and Ministers.
Senior Solicitors will advise on good decision-making and advise on litigation risk.
You will also be expected to coach and mentor other solicitors in the legal team and contribute to the Legal & Risks development and training initiatives. Senior solicitors are expected to participate and contribute to wider Ministry fora on quality of advice and training related to legal issues, public sector duties, roles and functions. You are also expected to work across public sector agencies to develop a Crown-wide approach.
Ngā Whakaritenga Mōkito | Skills and Experience – Solicitor
Our ideal candidate will bring;

• Experience providing legal advice, interpretation and support for the development of legislation, in particular with respect to legislation within the remit of Mf E
• Experience in advising on and/or drafting commercial contracts, funding arrangements and information law matters would be an advantage.
• A law degree and a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one).

Ngā Whakaritenga Mōkito | Skills and Experience – Senior Solicitor
Our ideal candidate will bring;

• Significant experience providing legal advice, interpretation and support for the development of legislation, in particular with respect to legislation within the remit of Mf E
• A law degree and a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one)

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range
Solicitor salary range for this role is $90,160 to $109,279 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.
Senior Solicitor salary range for this role is $118,318 to $143,695 pa. Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience.
Tono ināianei | Apply now
Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.
If you require further information about this position, please contact Nadine Eales (Nadine.eales@mfe.govt.nz) or MFE Legal Managers Nicolette Butler and Barbara Dean (nicolette.butler@mfe.govt.nz/barbara.dean@mfe.govt.nz)
Rā Katinga | Applications close: Tuesday 17th September @ 11.59pm