Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group, Public Law
Crown Law Office | Te Tari Ture o te Karauna
Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group, Public Law, Wellington or Auckland
About the Role | Mō ngā tūranga
We’re looking for an experienced lawyer (minimum 7-10 years+ PQE) who is ready to make an impact through high-profile public law work in New Zealand. This role provides an opportunity to advise at the centre of government on topical and significant issues for New Zealand, and to gain litigation experience in some of the best cases of your career.
The role is for a Crown Counsel lawyer in one of the Public Law teams in the Crown Legal Risk Group, based in Wellington or Auckland. The team provides advice and litigation services focusing on environment and natural resources issues, including climate change, resource management, infrastructure, conservation, transport and land law. We would like to hear from lawyers who are interested in:
· advice work, litigation, mediation and negotiation for the Crown
· contributing to robust government decision-making
· legally challenging issues.
As Crown Counsel, you will manage litigation files (as lead counsel or as part of a team of lawyers), provide advice to Ministers and senior government officials, manage client relationships, and mentor and develop more junior team members. You will work collaboratively with other colleagues within the team and have opportunities to work with other teams.
Crown Law’s leadership role within the Government Legal Network will enable you to access a range of professional development opportunities, as part of a broader network of approximately 1,200 lawyers in the public sector.
Our litigation is primarily in the senior courts (High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court) and tribunals and inquiries.
For more information on the role, please refer to the attached position description.
About us | Mō mātou
Crown Law’s purpose is to serve New Zealand by supporting the Government to operate lawfully.
Crown Law’s functions are:
- Supporting the Law Officers (the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General) of the Crown
- Providing legal services to Government with excellence
- Leading the government legal profession
- Overseeing public prosecutions
Crown Law provides legal advice and representation services to the Government in matters affecting the executive government. The services Crown Law provides include matters covering judicial review of government actions, constitutional questions including Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi issues, the enforcement of criminal law, and the protection of revenue. Crown Law also administers the prosecution process in the criminal justice system, in particular, Crown prosecutions.
About You | Mōu
To be successful in this role you will bring:
· A Bachelor of Laws and current practising certificate (or eligibility to get one).
· A minimum of 7-10 years+ PQE, including civil litigation experience.
· Experience in one or more of the following subject areas would be an advantage but not essential: general public law, resource management, climate change, or property law.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Keen analytical and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent relationship-building skills and a desire to contribute to a collaborative and high-performing environment.
· A passion for working on impactful and interesting legal issues.
This role can be based in either Wellington | Te Whanganui-a-Tara or Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau.
- Wellington: Aitken Street/Kate Sheppard Place, near the Wellington bus and train station.
- Auckland: Crown Law’s Auckland CBD office in the HSBC Tower at 188 Quay Street, part of the Britomart and Commercial Bay precinct.
What we Offer | Ngā painga
- A starting salary range of between $115,785 and $185,912 with further room to progress. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience
- An annual wellness payment
- 5 weeks annual leave plus 3 additional leave days (Crown Law days)
- Opportunities for development and growth across Crown Law
Apply Now | Tono mai ināianei
All applications should include a covering letter and curriculum vitae. Please indicate in your cover letter your preferred location, Wellington or Auckland.
To be considered for a position at Crown Law you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand and are required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Records check
If you have any additional questions about this role, or if you have a disability that affects the submission of your application through the online process, please email people.capability@crownlaw.govt.nz.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday 27 July 2026.
Applications for this role will take you to the advertisers site.
