Job Description
Job Type: Permanent Full Time
Category: Legal
Location: Dunedin
Date Advertised: 29-JAN-26
Job Reference: MOJ/1906475
Job Title: Office Public Defender
Business Unit:
Division:
Classification:
Work Location:
Position Type:
Job Duration:N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Phone/Email/Fax:
Public Defence Service
Office Public Defender Dunedin
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
An incredible opportunity for a dynamic people leader and seasoned senior lawyer has become available to join our supportive, collegial and busy environment in our Dunedin PDS Office.
Reporting directly to the National Public Defender, you will:
Be an integral part of both the office Leadership team and the national PDS management team.
Be critical to the achievement of PDS's operational and Strategic goals.
Provide day-to-day management and leadership of an outstanding team of lawyers.
Engage in key external relationships to support the delivery of an improved legal service.
Have a criminal lawyer provider approval at level 3 or 4, or the ability to obtain it and be qualified to practise law in New Zealand.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful, you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and have the skills and experience to:
Have a Provider Approval Level 3 or 4 listing.
Set the tone, expectations and culture of the office, creating an environment of trust, respect and ongoing learning.
Develop business and workforce strategies and implement vision.
Lead, engage and inspire your people to deliver a professional and dynamic service.
Deliver highly effective advocacy, stakeholder management, communication and leadership.
This is a challenging but truly satisfying job.
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.
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 $149,972 and $206,570 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/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 Sunday 15 February; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz
Category: Legal
Location: Dunedin
Date Advertised: 29-JAN-26
Job Reference: MOJ/1906475
Job Title: Office Public Defender
Business Unit:
Division:
Classification:
Work Location:
Position Type:
Job Duration:N/A
Contact Name:
Contact Phone/Email/Fax:
Public Defence Service
Office Public Defender Dunedin
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
An incredible opportunity for a dynamic people leader and seasoned senior lawyer has become available to join our supportive, collegial and busy environment in our Dunedin PDS Office.
Reporting directly to the National Public Defender, you will:
Be an integral part of both the office Leadership team and the national PDS management team.
Be critical to the achievement of PDS's operational and Strategic goals.
Provide day-to-day management and leadership of an outstanding team of lawyers.
Engage in key external relationships to support the delivery of an improved legal service.
Have a criminal lawyer provider approval at level 3 or 4, or the ability to obtain it and be qualified to practise law in New Zealand.
Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience
To be successful, you must be passionate about criminal justice issues and have the skills and experience to:
Have a Provider Approval Level 3 or 4 listing.
Set the tone, expectations and culture of the office, creating an environment of trust, respect and ongoing learning.
Develop business and workforce strategies and implement vision.
Lead, engage and inspire your people to deliver a professional and dynamic service.
Deliver highly effective advocacy, stakeholder management, communication and leadership.
This is a challenging but truly satisfying job.
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.
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 $149,972 and $206,570 based on skills and experience.
Tono mai/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 Sunday 15 February; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful 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 Office Public Defender position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Dunedin 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.
