Junior Legal Counsel - Auckland

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is the country's largest employer, delivering universal public healthcare to 5 million New Zealanders.

We provide essential hospital, specialist, and community health services across 80+ locations - from large urban centres to rural towns and remote communities.

Our goal is to improve health outcomes for all New Zealanders by delivering equitable, accessible and innovative care.

About the Role

This is a new Junior Legal Counsel role focussed on providing medico-legal advice to health professionals and management on all aspects of patient care. You will assist with a range of legal issues including responding to HDC investigations, Coroners and Police matters, applications under the Protection of Personal and Property Rights Act 1988.

The role is busy, varied and challenging. No day is the same! The challenges come thick and fast. You will be working with health professionals and management to solve problems and improve patient care.

The role requires someone who is energetic, quick thinking, with a practical, problem solving bent. Experience of working in a health environment is needed.

You will be a member of Health New Zealand's Northern Region Legal Team and based at Middlemore Hospital. The Northern Region Legal Team is part of a National Legal Team which comprises four regional teams and a number of specialist teams such as Public Law, Digital, Commercial and Employment Relations.

About you

You are qualified and eligible to hold a practising certificate as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. You bring a genuine interest in developing your medico-legal expertise across a wide range of matters, including litigation.

You communicate clearly and confidently, both in writing and verbally, and you build strong, effective relationships with diverse clients and stakeholders. You take a practical, solutions-focused approach to your work and provide timely, high-quality legal advice that supports the organisation's needs.

You enjoy contributing to a team, bring a down-to-earth attitude, and have a great sense of humour that helps you work well with others.

Working for Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply please click “apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal by Thursday, 4 December. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Matt Kelly at

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

#J-18808-Ljbffr