Put your legal skills and experience to work, helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent. 
 
We are looking for an enthusiastic senior lawyer to join our supportive and collegial team in providing quality legal services for the Ministry of Social Development.
 

About us: 

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.
 
We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.
 
As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
 
Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

What you'll be doing | He aha tāu e mahi ana

As a  Senior Lawyer you’ll be part of the Litigation Team which advises on Ministry related civil litigation including, social security High Court appeals, judicial reviews, historic claims, other civil claims, and Human Rights and Privacy proceedings. 

The initial focus of this role will be to advise on the legal aspects of claims of historic abuse in state care and the Ministry’s alternative dispute resolution process. This includes reviewing policies and procedures for legal risk. 

The role involves working closely with the internal client group and Crown Law and developing and training other lawyers allocated to this work. 

This role does not generally include Court advocacy as Crown Law is instructed, but familiarity with court processes and litigation management is desirable. 
 

What you'll need to succeed | Ko ngā mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitū

Our ideal senior lawyer:

• Has experience in a broad range of relevant legal areas and the public service. Government legal team experience, experience advising on historic claims and in-depth knowledge of privacy law, the OIA, the Bill of Rights and then Treaty of Waitangi is desirable.
• Builds strong working relationships and enjoys working collaboratively
• Has proven experience providing clear and accessible legal advice on complex issues
• Coaches, mentors and develops other lawyers
• Holds a current New Zealand practising certificate (or be eligible to hold one) and we would prefer at least 5 years’ PQE
   

Our Core Values | Whanonga pono

Manaaki – We care about the wellbeing and success of people
Mahi tahi – We work together, making a difference for communities
Whanau – We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
Tika me te pono – We do the right thing with integrity

Our values represent who we are and what we stand for - if this appeals to you, do not hesitate, apply now! 
 

Position Description

A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Lawyer position description.

Salary range: $120,870.00 - $150,416.00

How to apply:

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.  

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. 

All applications must be made online.  If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected]

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.  This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Closing date:  Monday 20 January 2025. 

Joining us

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.  We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.