Chief Legal Counsel

Te Haeata/The Opportunity The Chief Legal Counsel is a tier 2 executive role responsible for the provision of legal advice in the Ministry of Justice, including some legal roles that are unique within government. The Chief Legal Counsel is responsible for, among other things:

• quality assuring all significant legal advice prepared by the legal team on public law and commercial law matters.
• providing advice to the Attorney-General about whether legislation proposed by other government departments is consistent with fundamental rights and freedoms in the NZ Bill of Rights Act.
• the provision of legal advice to the Minister of Justice on applications for compensation for wrongful conviction and detention and on extradition requests.
• managing the administration of judicial and statutory appointments for Ministers.

The role is focussed on assisting the Secretary for Justice with the Ministry's relationship with the judiciary and delivering high-quality legal services to the Ministry and Ministers that is timely, responsive, and effective. Ō pūkenga/Skills and Experience To be considered for this role, you will hold a Law degree and demonstrate at least 10 years of practice in a legal field. You will also have experience in operational management in a medium or large organisation that demonstrates success in a senior management role, including:

• financial management
• team leadership at a high level
• strategic management
• working as a member of an executive group with varying group/unit goals but shared organisational goals
• communication to a wide range of audiences on a range of complex issues

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 Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) provides professional legal leadership within the Ministry, and legal advice and services to Ministers and the public. The Office of Legal Counsel is headed by the Chief Legal Counsel and includes:

• Public Defence Service (PDS).
• Legal Advice Team (the Ministry's in-house legal team).
• Appointments and Specialist Functions Team.
• Administrative support staff.

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. 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 Tuesday 26 November 2024 with interviews expected to take place during the week beginning Monday 9 December. If you have any questions, please contact Graham.Lees@justice.govt.nz #J-18808-Ljbffr