Senior Legal Specialist - Court Of Appeal

Overview

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 role includes reading submissions from parties, seeking further information if needed, reaching a decision, and clearly communicating that decision in writing. 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. The role also involves 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 :

• a law degree, and legal experience at a senior level;
• the ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences on complex issues;
• broad knowledge of registry practice and operational matters within the Court;
• the 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 strengthening people’s trust in the law of Aotearoa, New Zealand. 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

Benefits

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

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 $129,129 and $179,192 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

To apply, click the Apply button below to be directed to our Careers Website. You can view a detailed position description here, as well as complete an online application form by attaching your CV and cover letter.

Applications close 13 October 2025; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and inviting successful candidates to interview before the close date.

If you have any questions, please contact

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