Intermediate Solicitor

Overview

In this fast-paced, exciting role you will play a key role providing legal advice and advocacy services to Social Workers and other staff. Your work will involve significant courtroom time conducting litigation on behalf of Oranga Tamariki, with a focus on ensuring good outcomes for tamariki and their whānau. The key work occurs outside of the courtroom - advising and collaborating. This is a role where your relationships in the community will enable you to work collectively to make a positive difference for our tamariki.

This role is available in our Palmerston North office. Due to the operational requirements and dynamic nature of the role, it will be beneficial for you to have the close support of the team around you. Candidates for this role are required to already be based in Palmerston North or be willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• You will have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate with 3 plus years PQE in a relevant area of law;
• You are driven by a desire to ensure all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities;
• You are committed to helping us honour our treaty commitments to Māori to improve long-term outcomes;
• You thrive in a job where no day is the same but each day your mahi matters;
• You are committed to continuing your own Te Ao Māori development and cultural competence;
• You have a sound understanding of either family or criminal (youth justice) law or have a genuine passion and interest to work in this area;
• You have excellent communication, digital and written skills;
• You are a 'straight up' person who is honest, transparent and keeps your word. You are a team player and enjoy collaborating with others;
• A clean drivers license and ability to use Oranga Tamariki vehicles to travel within region; and
• Understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural practices in particular; knowledge of tikanga Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture.

Benefits

Nōu te rourou | What’s in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offer a step-based remuneration package, that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. Annual remuneration for this position starts between $90,429 and $100,019 dependant on experience. We offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

If you're interested in a secondment to this role, please have a conversation with your direct manager first to confirm availability and ensure mutual agreement before progressing further.

How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Covering Letter. If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply with a log in using your Oranga Tamariki email address. Please note; our work requires you to present at work free of the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Applications close : Wednesday 22 October 2025.

Reference # 38681

Posted on 08 Oct 2025

Closes on 22 Oct : 55

Location(s) Palmerston North

Expertise Corporate & Commercial Law, Family Law, Generalist - In House, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Management, Other, Legal

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