The Public Defence Service (PDS) is New Zealand’s largest criminal law practice, providing 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, and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.
Senior Lawyer
https://www.seek.co.nz/job/32200542
Waitakere Public Defence Service
Vacancy 27878
- Satisfying, interesting and intellectually challenging work
- Significant time in court and running trials
- Supportive, experienced and talented colleagues.
We are looking for an experienced lawyer with a speciality in criminal advocacy to join our team our Waitakere office in Auckland. This is a full time role, however part time or flexible hours can be considered.
The Public Defence Service (PDS) is New Zealand’s largest criminal law practice, providing 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. In this role you are the voice of some of the most marginalised people in the criminal justice system.
To qualify you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:
- be qualified to practise law in New Zealand
- have a PAL 3 or 4 approval level
- have proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community
- be comfortable to be part of a team who support and rely on one-another
- enjoy sharing legal expertise, exchanging ideas and brainstorming
- have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people.
This is a challenging but truly satisfying role and our lawyers love what they do.
Reporting to the Deputy Public Defender, you will lead a small team of lawyers and have a caseload of varied criminal work – including high profile and challenging cases, High Court and Court of Appeal appearances. You will also be involved in training, mentoring and supervising junior PDS lawyers. Our work comes to us via Legal Aid and we make sure that you are supported by an experience administrative team – meaning you can focus on doing what you do best.
As an employee of the PDS you will have access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme, professional development and opportunities to attend conferences, along with access to a professional supervision programme. The PDS is part of the Ministry of Justice and the wider justice sector. The ministry provides centralised business services, infrastructure and support to the work of the PDS.
“There is so much more support and collegiality than anywhere else I have worked. You have so many experts around you to bounce ideas off.” (Edith)
To apply, complete the application form, attaching your CV and cover letter.
Applications close on Sunday, 13 November 2016.
