Junior Lawyer

Criminal Defence Lawyer - Junior lawyer Public Defence Service Hawkes Bay 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 Hawkes PDS team. You will need to be eligible for a practising certificate and be interested in criminal law. Candidates must provide an academic transcript to be considered for this position. This role is suitable for lawyers who have been admitted to the bar, are looking for a career in criminal law, or have previous experience as a registrar, police prosecutor, worked for a barrister, community law centre, or government department. You will handle a varied caseload, including trials and appearances, and receive mentorship from experienced colleagues. Qualifications and Attributes Admitted to the New Zealand Bar or will be within two months of application. Passionate about criminal justice issues. Enjoys working in a team environment. Ability to build credibility with judges, peers, and others in the legal community. Empathy and ability to relate to a wide range of people. Benefits Access to a well‑designed and embedded national training programme. Professional development opportunities. Professional supervision programme. A laptop and mobile phone. Salary The appointing salary for this role will be between $67,015 and $85,498 based on skills and experience. Application Deadline Applications close on 24 July 2026, and CVs will be reviewed as they come in. Candidates may be invited to interview before the close date. To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through the careers website. #J-18808-Ljbffr