Supervised Provider

Criminal Defence Lawyer – Junior lawyer

Public Defence Service Christchurch

Te Haeata / The Opportunity

The Public Defence Service (PDS) is looking for a criminal lawyer who has a strong desire to develop their career in the specialist area of criminal advocacy. The successful candidate will join our central Christchurch PDS team.

You will need to be eligible for a practising certificate and interested in criminal law.

To be considered for this position, a copy of your academic transcript must accompany your application.

This role would suit lawyers who have been admitted to the bar, are looking for a career in criminal law, or those with previous experience as a registrar, police prosecutor, working for a barrister, community law centre, government department etc.

You will find challenge and satisfaction with a varied caseload, including trials and appearances. You will have expert and talented colleagues around you who will mentor you and support your development to the next level of your career. The PDS is well known for its comprehensive professional development programme in criminal litigation and is considered an excellent training ground full of opportunities for a successful legal career.

Ō pūkenga / Skills and Experience

To be successful you must :

• Be admitted to the New Zealand Bar or will be within two months of application.
• Be passionate about criminal justice issues.
• Love working in a team environment.

You will be developing an ability to build credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community. As an important member of a close-knit team you will enjoy exchanging ideas and brainstorming. You will have empathy and the ability to relate to a wide range of people. This is a challenging but truly satisfying job.

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.

The PDS is part of the Ministry of Justice and the wider justice sector. The Ministry provides centralised business services, infrastructure, and support to the work of the PDS.

The Public Defence Service (PDS) provides high quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. Aimed at helping people access justice, the PDS promotes the values of respect, integrity, service and the delivery of excellent service to its clients.

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 will provide you with :

See our full range of benefits here.

Utu ā-tau / Salary

The appointing salary for this role will be between $66,015 and $89,934 based on skills and experience.

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 on Sunday, 2 November 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 recruitment@justice.govt.nz

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