Intermediate Solicitor

Assist the Principal Solicitor with operational legal advice across the organisation
- Provide support and legal advice to Social Workers and other staff
- Can be based in either the Waikato or Tamaki Makaurau

**Mo m tou | About us**

Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

- We put **Tamariki** first
- We believe **Aroha** is vital
- We respect the **Mana** of people
- We are **Tika** and **Pono**:

- We value **Whakapapa**:

- We recognise that **Oranga** is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need.

**Mo te tunga | About the role**

This is new position in Legal Services which will support the new Principal Solicitor with operational legal advice across the organisation. This will predominately be in the youth justice space. You will provide support and legal advice to Social Workers and other staff on a range of issues and facilitate effective solutions to urgent or ongoing issues. You will support to embed and provide advice on legislative changes in the organisation and represent the Chief Executive in court when required.

Key responsibilities include:

- Provide high quality legal insight, advice and support across the organisation on a range of operational and organisational issues. This will predominately be in the youth justice space but will also involve care and protection work.
- Help to embed and implement new legislation and support the Principal Solicitor to maintain oversight of this to determine risk and take action to minimise that risk
- Help identify and assess the need for training and education across the organisation and to help develop and deliver tailored training where necessary

**What you will bring | Ng pumanawatanga ou**
- Must have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate
- 3 plus years PQE.
- Legal experience in the youth justice space
- Experience appearing in Court
- Experience and skilled in overseeing and running legal training.
- A breadth of experience working in high pressured working environments.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to find innovative solutions to significant and challenging problems
- Experience leading in a complex environment on matters often involving risk
- Skilled in relationship management
- Be naturally collaborative and influential and enjoy working with a diverse range of stakeholders
- Have an understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues, in particular knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and te ao M ori, and Pacific peoples' cultureYou are a 'straight up' person who is honest, transparent and keeps your word plus is a team player and enjoy collaborating with others
- A clean driver's license is a must; you will be using Oranga Tamariki vehicles to travel

**Nou te rourou | What's in it for you**

Please note: Some travel may be required in this role.

**Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply**

**Applications for this role close at midnight on Tuesday 16th September 2025**
- If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for our kaimahi and requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol._