Legal Team Managers, Public Defence Service (PDS) Manukau

Role 1 - Permanent full-time  
Role 2 - 12 months fixed-term

Te ahuatunga a te turanga/About the role

South Auckland has one of the most diverse communities in New Zealand and our Manukau office has an important role in helping some of the most marginalised people in that community. 

We are looking for experienced criminal lawyers, holding at least PAL 2 approval, to lead a small team of junior lawyers.

Reporting to the Assistant Public Defender, you will manage your own caseload while leading and providing guidance to a small team of junior lawyers. You will be part of the wider leadership team of the office, ensuring the performance of your team alongside their development and supervision requirements. Your focus is to create a climate within your team that encourages performance, ongoing learning and knowledge sharing.

He pukenga tou/Skills and experience

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a skilled advocate who thrives on taking challenging cases
• Is committed to being the voice of some of the most marginalised people in the criminal justice system
• Is passionate about criminal justice and ready to contribute to representing clients in one of the most diverse communities in New Zealand
• Enjoys sharing their legal expertise, exchanging ideas and is resolution focussed
• Is happy to be part of a team who supports and relies on one-another
• Enjoys mentoring and coaching more junior lawyers 

Ko wai matou/Who we are 

At Tahu o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.

The PDS provides high quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. Aimed at helping people access justice, the PDS promotes the values of respect, integrity, service and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.  

Our Manukau office is the largest of the PDS offices - with around 60 legal and support staff. It is a busy and sometimes demanding environment with variety and challenge in one of the fastest growing communities in the country.  

Joining Te Tahu 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 nga painga o tenei mahi mou/Why you will enjoy working here

As a valued member of the team, you will enjoy benefits such as:

• working in a great community
• an incredible work/life balance with flexible working arrangements 
• generous leave entitlements 
• first class training and outstanding professional development
• outstanding administrative support
• a competitive salary

As well as other benefits such as discounts on gym memberships, dentists, medical insurance and hearing and eye test contributions

Utu a-tau/salary

The appointing salary for these roles will be between:

PAL2 $103,540 - $135,211; PAL3 $120,397and $157,225 based on skills and experience. 

Tono mai/How to apply

Apply now 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. Please indicate on your cover letter, which role you are applying for.

Applications close on Sunday, 26 March 2023, however we will be reviewing CV's as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date. 

If you would like a confidential discussion before making an application, please contact Mark Williams, Manukau Public Defender via email.

If you have any questions, please contact via email.