Senior Solicitor

Full job description
Job Type: Fixed Term Full Time
Category: Legal
Location: Wellington City
Date Advertised: 06-AUG-25
Job Reference: MOJ/1878034
Job Title: Senior Solicitor
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Job Duration:N/A
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Senior Solicitor | Te Whanganui a Tara/Wellington

Secondment or Fixed Term for 13 months, Part-time (0.75)


Mō mātou/About us

Te Tari Whakatau is an independent departmental agency hosted by the Ministry of Justice - Te Tāhū o te Ture. Our work involves resolving historical Treaty of Waitangi claims and supporting the recognition of Māori customary rights and interests in Takutai Moana.

Joining Te Tari Whakatau 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 kaimahi, he whānau.


Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We are looking to backfill our Senior Solicitor role on a 13 month period while the current incumbent is on parental leave. We are looking for someone who is passionate about their mahi and will be crucial in helping the organisation to achieve its objectives as a Te Tiriti partner. This role is part of a small team whose mahi is dynamic, challenging and values-focussed.

As the Senior Solicitor, you will work across a number of spaces which include:

advising on a wide range of complex public law, policy, and Treaty law matters for our dynamic Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana programmes
participating in significant and often novel litigation relating to Māori Crown Relationship and Te Tiriti issues, including instructing the Crown Law Office
providing strategic support and advice to the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership and Te Paepae Manukura
supporting the development of, and mentoring, the Solicitors within the Legal team
opportunities to act as Chief Legal Advisor.
Reporting to the Chief Legal Advisor, you will have a high level of trust and be self-led. It is important you are keen to develop your cultural competency, and Te Tari Whakatau will support by providing te reo Māori courses, attending noho marae, and internal capability networks.

Te Tari Whakatau promotes flexible working, so you can work from home up to one day per week.


Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience

a senior lawyer with 5+ PQE
experience in public law and litigation is ideal
an understanding of the principles of te Tiriti and experience engaging with iwi Māori
strong communication and mentoring skills
good problem-solver and confident in your abilities.

Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing. These include:

22 days holiday leave
an online professional development portal
access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
See our full range of benefits here.

With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.


Utu ā-tau/Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $111,766 and $154,680 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 Tuesday 12 August 2025; 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

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