Lawyer - Historic Claims

**About Us**:
The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We're in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whanau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Maori, whanau, hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

**What you'll be doing | He aha tau e mahi ana**

The litigation team advises on the Ministry's response to Historic abuse litigation, social security litigation, privacy litigation, human rights complaints and other litigation including Royal Commission and Kaupapa Inquiries.

As a Lawyer in the litigation team with MSD you will be working collaboratively with other Lawyers and Senior Lawyers, with a focus on supporting the Ministry's response to Historic abuse claims. The role does not involve Court advocacy as Crown Law is instructed.

While the initial focus of this role is supporting the Ministry's response to Historic abuse claims MSD Legal, lawyers are encouraged to develop expertise in the Ministry's broader legal work.

**What you'll need to succeed | Ko nga mea ka hiahiatia e koe kia angitu**

Our ideal lawyer:

- has an interest in a broad range of legal areas and public service, with some relevant legal experience (preferably in the public sector)
- has strong research, analytical and writing skills, with an eye for detail
- has experience providing clear legal advice with a focus on client needs
- enjoys working collaboratively and has excellent relationship building skills
- a sound understanding and respect for Te Ao Maori or a willingness to develop this
- has a current practicing certificate or the ability to immediately obtain one, and we would prefer at least two years PQE

**What's in it for you l Nou te rourou**
- We are committed to providing you with a positive work environment and you will work with like-minded people who want to get great results for New Zealanders.
- We focus on the growth and development of our staff.
- We care about the wellness of our people, and you will join an inclusive and fun environment where we celebrate achievements and prioritise development.
- Our team values diversity and we welcome flexible working.

**Our Core Values | Whanonga pono**

**Manaaki**:

- We care about the wellbeing and success of people
**Mahi tahi**:

- We work together, making a difference for communities
**Whanau** - We are inclusive and build a sense of belonging and place
**Tika me te pono**:

- We do the right thing with integrity

**Position Description**

A copy of the position description can be found here. Lawyer position description.

**Salary range**: $89,622.00 - $108,622.00

**How to apply**

**Note**: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description.

**Internal MSD Employees**:
**Closing date: Monday 3 March 2025.**

**Joining us**

Joining MSD means being part of a whanau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents. We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Maori, Hapu, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.
- MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time._