Assistant Office Public Defender

We are looking to appoint an experienced criminal defence lawyer to a new leadership position in our Manukau office.The Public Defence Service (PDS) is New Zealand's largest criminal law practice, providing high quality legal advice and representation in a full range of criminal cases. We have an important role in helping some of our most marginalised people access justice in New Zealand.Our Manukau office is the largest of the PDS offices - with around 60 legal and support staff. It is a busy and sometimes demanding environment with variety and challenge in one of the fastest growing communities in the country.We are seeking to fill one of two Assistant Office Public Defender roles. Reporting directly to the Manukau Public Defender the role is integral to the office leadership team and critical to the achievement of the PDS's operational and strategic goals.Effective people leadership is one of our top priorities ensuring clear expectations, supervision, coaching and development so that our people are supported to progress in their legal careers. As a motivated and inspiring leader, you will work with our lawyers to ensure that they can provide high quality legal advice and representation. You will be a major contributor to the growth and development of some of New Zealand's most passionate and committed defence lawyers.The successful candidate for this role will demonstrate drive, optimism and a delivery-focus to make things happen and achieve results. Your leadership will engage and inspire your people to deliver a professional and dynamic service. You will set the tone, expectations and culture of the teams in your charge, creating an environment of trust, respect and ongoing learning. You must be passionate about criminal justice issues and have a track record of building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You will have the ability to manage a wide range of tasks and have strong people management skills, including expertise in mentoring, coaching and training. You will have PAL 3 or 4 legal aid listing (preferably PAL 4), or the ability to apply for one, having had significant experience in conducting a variety of criminal matters before our courts. Around half of your time will be focused on leadership and management within our office, with the balance spent representing clients as part of an interesting and challenging caseload comprised of PAL 3 and 4 criminal cases.We are looking to appoint in the range of $140,000 to $190,000.APPLY and complete the application form, attaching your CV and cover letter. Applications close on Sunday 26 July. If you have any questions, please contact **********