Legal Counsel - Public and Commercial

About this role… Use your legal skills to support work that helps protect Aotearoa NewZealand’s border. Join Customs’ Legal team and work on meaningful public and commercial law matters. Bring your legal expertise to nationally significant work at New Zealand Customs Service.Join Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa / New Zealand Customs Service as part of our Legal team and contribute to work that matters — supporting world‑class border management and helping keep New Zealand safe, secure and thriving. We are seeking a Legal Counsel to join our Customs Legal - Public and Commercial team. This full‑time opportunity is based in Wellington and offers exceptional exposure to legal issues that are nationally significant and operationally important. New Zealand Customs Service plays a vital role in managing and facilitating the movement of people and goods across Aotearoa’s borders. We are focused on creating a great place to work, where our people feel they belong and are supported to build the capability and confidence needed to meet future challenges. Our mission is clear, and our work makes a real difference to the safety and success of New Zealand. Customs Legal sits within the Policy, Legal and Strategy Group. Reporting to the Chief Legal Counsel - Public and Commercial, you will work across a broad and interesting range of legal areas. The team provides advice on matters arising under the Customs and Excise Act 2018 and other legislation enforced at the border. You will also contribute to policy and legislative development across the border sector, information sharing, international arrangements, commercial matters, complaints and litigation. We are looking for someone who is authentic, curious and collaborative. You will be open and communicative, eager to learn, and able to adapt with confidence as new challenges arise. You will bring sound judgement, resilience, strong listening skills and a positive approach to working with others. In return, you will be part of a high‑performing, supportive team recognised through Government Legal Network and Customs Comptroller’s Awards. We value professional growth and provide an empowering environment where ambitious lawyers can develop, contribute and thrive. You will be trusted with meaningful work, engage with senior leaders, and have the opportunity to help shape decisions that support Customs’ important role for New Zealand. To be successful as a Legal Counsel, you will… Be a qualified lawyer with at least one year of relevant post-qualification experience and a genuine interest in Customs and border protection. Currently hold or be eligible to hold a New Zealand practising certificate. Bring strong legal research, statutory interpretation and advice‑writing skills. Build trusted relationships and provide clear, practical advice across Customs’ business units. Deliver results both independently and as part of a team. Communicate with confidence and influence; and Have knowledge and understanding of te ao Māori, the relationship between tikanga and the legal system and the Crown’s responsibilities as a Treaty partner (or a willingness to develop that knowledge and understanding). To join Customs in any role, applicants must have New Zealand Citizenship or have NZ Permanent Residency and be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance. The successful applicant will also be required to pass an initial drug test. (A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application. OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at the time of application but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. You will be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.) New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities, consider flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. For further information, please view the attached position description or contact Suzanne Leahy, Senior Corporate Recruitment Advisor, at [email protected]. For technical role‑related queries, please contact Nicole Taylor at [email protected]. Applications close at 11pm, Sunday 23 August 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr