Judges Clerk

**Judge's Clerk to the Principal Family Court Judge**

**Te Haeata/The Opportunity**

This role would suit a recent graduate who is interested in Family law and is looking to advance their legal career.

The Judge's Clerk will:

- provide excellent legal, operational and administrative support to the Principal Family Court Judge and provide assistance to other Judges or Family Court Associates as approved by the Principal Judge;
- assist with projects relating to the administration of the Family Court, including the provision of legal advice on operational matters relevant to the Family Court Judiciary;
- keep up to date with changes in the common law and legislation relevant to the Family This may include writing and circulating explanatory memoranda either at the request of the Principal Judge or on own initiative;
- research for and assist with preparation of Law Commission and Select Committee submissions;
- research for and assist with preparation for conferences;
- respond to legal and procedural queries, including external queries and those that relate to judgments not published on the District Courts website;
- obtain judgments, legislation and articles as requested;
- produce and publish a regular newsletter for all Family Court Judges and Family Court Associates;
- prepare for meetings, including providing secretariat support;
- draft correspondence;
- assist with the preparation of reports and briefings; and
- research for and preparation of speeches.

**Ō** pūkenga/Skills and Experience**

The successful applicant will have:

- LLB degree with excellent academic achievement, particularly in Family law. Electives such as Youth Justice, evidence, civil procedure, and Māori legal studies are desirable, but not necessary;
- knowledge of the Family Court jurisdiction including the rules and provisions under the Family Court Rules 2002, the Family Court Act 1980, the Care of Children Act 2004, the Family Violence Act 2018 and the Oranga Tamariki Act 1989;
- knowledge of tikanga Māori and beginner to advanced competency in te reo Māori will be an advantage;
- excellent written and verbal communication and analytical skills;
- a high level of judgement and discretion;
- the ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team without supervision;
- the ability to cope with tight deadlines and changing or competing demands;
- computer/technology skills, including the use of Microsoft Word and SharePoint;
- secretariat experience is desirable, though not necessary; and
- experience within the operations of the Family Court will be an advantage, but it is not necessary.

**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.

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, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.

**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
- 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 is $67,845 with an opportunity to progress in six-monthly increments to $82,135.

**Tono mai/Apply**

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