Job Description
Full job description
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Category: Legal
Location: Canterbury
Date Advertised: 08-JUL-25
Job Reference: MOJ/1873171
Job Title: Lawyer (PAL1)
Business Unit:
Division:
Classification:
Work Location:
Position Type:
Job Duration:N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Phone/Email/Fax:
Public Defence Service Christchurch
Criminal Defence Lawyer – PAL 1
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Have a strong desire to develop your career in criminal advocacy? This is a truly exciting opportunity.
The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Lawyer PAL1 at our busy Christchurch office. Reporting to a Legal team Manager you will:
deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients
manage a varied caseload of criminal matters
provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:
have a PAL 1 approval level and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand
have confidence in your ability to develop credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community
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.
Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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.
The Public Defence Service (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.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, ****** orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
You never know what each day will bring. I love the rush the job can bring whilst being able to sit and critically think about a legal issue. (Claire)
We will provide you with:
access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme
professional development and opportunities to progress
a professional supervision programme
a laptop and mobile phone.
See our full range of benefits here.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $73,490 and $94,403 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/How to Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below 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.
Applications close on 25July 2026, however we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may be inviting candidates to interview before the close date'.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Category: Legal
Location: Canterbury
Date Advertised: 08-JUL-25
Job Reference: MOJ/1873171
Job Title: Lawyer (PAL1)
Business Unit:
Division:
Classification:
Work Location:
Position Type:
Job Duration:N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Phone/Email/Fax:
Public Defence Service Christchurch
Criminal Defence Lawyer – PAL 1
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
Looking for a challenge along with a varied caseload? Enjoy working in a collaborative and supportive environment? Have a strong desire to develop your career in criminal advocacy? This is a truly exciting opportunity.
The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a motivated and experienced criminal litigator to take up the role of Lawyer PAL1 at our busy Christchurch office. Reporting to a Legal team Manager you will:
deliver high quality defence representation to legally aided clients
manage a varied caseload of criminal matters
provide support to intermediate and senior lawyers.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and:
have a PAL 1 approval level and be qualified to practice law in New Zealand
have confidence in your ability to develop credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community
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.
Mō mātou/About us
At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to strengthening people's trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
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.
The Public Defence Service (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.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, ****** orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
You never know what each day will bring. I love the rush the job can bring whilst being able to sit and critically think about a legal issue. (Claire)
We will provide you with:
access to a well-designed and embedded national training programme
professional development and opportunities to progress
a professional supervision programme
a laptop and mobile phone.
See our full range of benefits here.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The appointing salary for this role will be between $73,490 and $94,403 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/How to Apply
To apply, click the Apply button below 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.
Applications close on 25July 2026, however we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may be inviting candidates to interview before the close date'.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Lawyer (PAL1 position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Canterbury offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
