Job Description
CHIEF DISTRICT COURT JUDGE'S CHAMBERS
TE WHARE O NGĀ KAIHAUTŪ WAKA O TE KŌTI-Ā-ROHE O AOTEAROA
Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge
His Honour Judge Heemi Taumaunu
Te Haeata/The Opportunity
We invite applications for the position of Judge's Clerk to the Chief District Court Judge ("Chief Judge"). The position offers new graduates the opportunity to work closely with the Chief Judge for up to three years, gaining insight into the judicial process and broad exposure to the administration of the District Court of New Zealand, te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa.
The Judge's Clerk Will
undertake legal research and draft legal opinions for the Chief Judge
assist with policy development, and the drafting of protocols and practice notes for the District Court
assist with projects relating to the administration of the District Court, including the provision of legal advice on strategic and operational matters relevant to the District Court judiciary
keep up to date with changes in the law relevant to the District Court. This may include writing and circulating explanatory memoranda or case notes either at the request of the Chief Judge or on your own initiative
undertake administrative duties including taking minutes for judicial committee meetings
respond to legal and procedural queries
provide legal research for conference papers and speeches
on occasion, assist the Chief Judge with legal research to support judgment writing.
The Judge's Clerk works directly to the Chief Judge, and reports to the Legal Counsel. This is a full-time position based in Wellington.
Ō Pūkenga/Skills And Experience
The successful applicant will have:
a law degree with excellent academic achievement, particularly in criminal law. Electives such as criminal procedure, evidence, civil procedure, te Tiriti o Waitangi and tikanga Māori or Māori customary law are of benefit
an excellent understanding of tikanga and te reo Māori is desirable
excellent and accurate written and communication skills
problem-solving skills
qualities such as self-motivation, efficiency and initiative, and the ability to work independently and without supervision
excellent organisational and time management skills.
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 Chief District Court Judge's Chambers / Te Whare o Ngā Kaihautū Waka o Te Kōti-ā-Rohe o Aotearoa is a small, high-impact team that provides administrative, advisory, operational and strategic support to the District Court Judicial Leadership team, the Kaihautū, comprising the Chief District Court Judge, Principal Family Court Judge, Principal Youth Court Judge and the National Executive Judge. This support enables the Kaihautū to undertake their statutory and non-statutory functions and their overall leadership and administration of the District Court to ensure the delivery of timely, impartial and open justice.
Joining Te Tāhū o te Ture – Ministry of Justice means you will become part of an organisation that welcomes and supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities and religions.
Ngā painga o tēnei wāhi mahi/What's great about working here
Benefits
We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:
4.4 weeks holiday leave
flexible work hours where possible
an online professional development portal
access to a variety of inclusive and proactive networks
See our full range of benefits here.
With a wide range of jobs, you also get the chance to gain a variety of skills and experience while developing your career.
Utu ā-tau/Salary
The starting salary is $69,845 with an opportunity to progress in six-monthly increments to $84,135 pa.
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.
Please include your University transcript in your application pack and a copy of a recent legal opinion, thesis, essay or memorandum you have completed that should not exceed 2000 words.
The successful applicant will be expected to start as soon as possible. All applications will be considered, including from those who are currently studying.
Applications close on 15 March; however, we will be reviewing CVs as they come in and may invite candidates to interview before the close date.
If you have any questions, please contact
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