Senior Legal Specialist

**Te Haeata/The Opportunity**

This role provides a unique opportunity for an experienced legal professional who is seeking part-time work. You will work with the senior judiciary, experience a great team environment, and make a positive impact on the appeal process.

The Senior Legal Specialist is responsible for exercising quasi-judicial and statutory functions to ensure efficient and effective service to the judiciary and court users. The Senior Legal Specialist exercises the decision-making function of the Registrar in civil proceedings, including in respect of the security for costs payable by appellants, the waiver of fees, and extensions of time. This requires the Senior Legal Specialist to read submissions from parties, seek further information if needed, reach a decision, and clearly communicate that decision in writing. The Senior Legal Specialist is also responsible for developing the technical skills of staff in the Court of Appeal, and the development, implementation and review of Court of Appeal civil legislation, policies, and procedures, to ensure technical excellence in the Court.

You will report to the Court Manager and work as part of the Registry team, playing a critical role in the successful operation of the Court of Appeal. The Senior Legal Specialist is appointed as a Deputy Registrar pursuant to s 63 of the Senior Courts Act 2016. The role is 3 days per week (24 hours per week). The days worked can be flexible, with some remote working possible.

The role is based in the Wellington Court of Appeal.

**Ō** pūkenga/Skills and Experience**

To be successful in the role, you will need:

- Law degree, and legal experience at a senior level;
- Ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences on complex issues;
- Broad knowledge of registry practice and operational matters within the Court;
- Ability to build and maintain a range of effective relationships;
- Willingness to learn and seek out information - legislation and processes in the Court are always changing and you will need to be able to adapt and take on board feedback, and disseminate and train staff on updates to legislation as and when required;
- Sound understanding of the New Zealand courts and the constitutional principles and legal processes that underpin the New Zealand justice system.

As an organisation we empower our people with building their wellbeing knowledge, offering a range of wellbeing tools and support.

**Mō mātou/**About us**

At Te Tāhū o te Ture - the Ministry of Justice, we're committed to working together for a fair and safe Aotearoa.

In this role you will be part of a team responsible for the successful operation of the Court of Appeal. You will work with clerks, judges, and staff from other courts and the wider Ministry. You will enjoy a supportive team environment.

Joining the Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an inclusive organisation that values you and the communities we serve. It's our promise to ensure our workplace is one where our people feel healthy and safe, supported and able to be themselves at work. We value respect as the foundation for building a positive workplace culture and one where diversity is welcomed and celebrated.

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

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

- 4.4 weeks holiday leave, pro-rated
- flexible work hours where possible
- 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 starting salary for this role will be between $128,129 and $166,062 per year, pro-rated, depending on skills and experience. This is a part-time position of 3 days per week, which equates to 24 hours per week.

**Tono mai/Apply**

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