Senior Solicitor

Overview

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Wellington-based | Permanent, Full-time role

The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) occupies a unique space within the heart of government supporting the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Governor General to lead and govern New Zealand.

The department also has an important role to build a stronger, more secure nation through our national resilience, risk and national security activity.

About The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet|Te Tari o te Pirimia me te Runanga Kawanatanga

Responsibilities

This is an exciting and fast-paced role within a strong professional team.

Senior Solicitors within DPMC provide specialist legal advice and support to the department, enabling business units to achieve their objectives.

They lead the delivery of accurate, timely advice on a wide range of complex and novel issues, including policy and machinery of government, legislative drafting, litigation, and inquiries.

You will need to be comfortable offering pragmatic advice, often in grey areas of the law, to ensure decision makers are making informed decisions.

The role covers corporate legal matters such as contracts, statutory interpretation, privacy, official information, and health and safety.

This role would suit someone who has experience or an interest in the national security, and national risk and resilience frameworks.

The role enables the opportunity to work closely with our Executive Leadership Teams - a great opportunity for a person wanting to take the next step in their career.

To succeed in this role, you should be able to showcase the following :

Minimum of 5 years PQE, with strong experience acquired in public law

Good knowledge of machinery of government including Legislative, Cabinet and Parliamentary processes

An understanding or interest in of New Zealand's national security and national risk and resilience framework[s] and enthusiasm to develop these more.

An ability to convey complex and novel legal issues succinctly.

You need to be capable of providing quick pragmatic advice involving the balancing of risks

Good understanding of corporate processes, including experience in providing fast, accurate advice on Official Information and Privacy Act requests.

Strong relationship management skills and the ability to influence others

A good understanding of Maori / Crown relations and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi

A current practicing certificate or the ability to hold one

Due to the security requirements of this role, applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident - you must be eligible to obtain appropriate security clearance

Remuneration and Benefits

Working at DPMC means being at the heart of some of the most significant and impactful work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

This role presents an opportunity to lead and contribute to the security and well-being of New Zealanders, working with smart and motivated people in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

You'll be part of a high-performing organisation that prioritises professional development.

The role comes with a competitive remuneration in the range of $131,000 - $143,000 p / a inclusive of KiwiSaver.

Appointments will be based on skills and experience.

How to Apply - Me Pehea te Tono Mai

A full job description is available below.

If this role is of interest, please click 'Apply now' and submit your tailored Cover Letter and CV.

All applications must be made online.

The closing date for this role is

5pm Wednesday 17 September 2025.

We will be reviewing applications during the advertising period and may be in contact prior to the closing date.

Interviews for the position will be held between 19-26 September.

DPMC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Applicants from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.

Applicants must have the ability to obtain and maintain the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Prior to DPMC confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.

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