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Posted 24 August, 2026

Intermediate Solicitor - Youth Justice

Oranga Tamariki
Wellington, WGN, NZ Full Time
Reference: 1f6da799e0cbcf76

Job Description

Assist thePrincipal Solicitor with operational legal advice across the organisation Provide support and legal advice to Social Workers and other staff Permanent role that can be based in any of our offices in the North Island Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values: We put Tamariki first We believe Aroha is vital We respect the Mana of people We are Tika and Pono We value Whakapapa We recognise that Oranga is a journey We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki in need. Mō te tūnga| About therole This is new position in Legal Services which will support the Principal Solicitor and Intermediate Solicitor with operational legal advice across the organisation. This will predominately be in the youth justice space. You will provide support and legal advice to Social Workers and other staff on a range of issues and facilitate effective solutions to urgent or ongoing issues. You will support to embed and provide advice on legislative changes in the organisation and represent the Chief Executive in court when required. Key responsibilities include: Provide high-quality legal insight, advice and support across the organisation on a range of operational and organisational issues. This will predominately be in the youth justice space but will also involve care and protection work. Help to embed and implement new legislation and support the Principal Solicitor to maintain oversight of this to determine risk and take action to minimise that risk Help identify and assess the need for training and education across the organisation and to help develop and deliver tailored training where necessary Must have been admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand and have (or be eligible for) a practicing certificate 3 plus years PQE. Legal experience in the youth justice space Experience appearing in Court Experience and skilled in overseeing and running legal training. A breadth of experience working in high pressured working environments. A passion for youth justice work Analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to find innovative solutions to significant and challenging problems Experience leading in a complex environment on matters often involving risk Skilled in relationship management Be naturally collaborative and influential and enjoy working with a diverse range of stakeholders Have an understanding and appreciation of cross-cultural issues, in particular knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga and te ao Māori, and Pacific peoples' culture A clean driver's license is a must; you will be using Oranga Tamariki vehicles to travel Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you Oranga Tamarikioffera step-basedremunerationpackage that offers progression annually for experience through tenure. 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 an opportunity to broaden your legal experience, work with legal colleagues across Aotearoa, and apply yourexpertiseto improving outcomes fortamariki,rangatahiand whānau. To see all the benefits of working for Oranga Tamariki, please visit the Employee Benefits page. Please note: Some travel may be required in this role. If you are interested in any of our vacancies, please ensure that you make yourself familiar with our code of conduct as it sets out our expectations for ourkaimahiand requires you to present at work free from the influences of both drugs and alcohol. Location(s) Te Tai Tokerau Region, Kaitaia, North Shore, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hastings, Wellington, Hawera, Auckland, Kaikohe, West Auckland, Paeroa, Rotorua, Dannevirke, Lower Hutt, Horowhenua, Waikato, Whangarei, Central Auckland, Tokoroa, Napier, Upper Hutt, Palmerston North, Bay of Plenty, Dargaville, South Auckland, Taupō, Gisborne, Porirua, Manawatu, East Coast, Whakatane, Hawkes Bay, Paraparaumu, New Plymouth, Wellington, Masterton, Taumarunui, Taranaki-Manawatu, Wairoa, Whanganui, Waipukurau Expertise Corporate & Commercial Law, Family Law, Generalist - In House, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Management, Other, Legal #J-18808-Ljbffr

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