Principal Lawyer

Principal Lawyer (two positions)We are looking to appoint experienced criminal defence lawyers to new professional leadership roles 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.This is a new professional leadership role in the PDS. You will be an expert practitioner and specialist in criminal advocacy with a deep understanding of criminal law practice in New Zealand and extensive criminal litigation experience. Your ability to build and nurture professional relationships complements your criminal work and you have proven credibility with judges, peers and others in the legal community. You will be passionate about growing the next generation of lawyers through mentoring and supporting their professional development. You will be a significant resource to the PDS in providing guidance and leadership on the law and court processes.You will have a caseload of varied criminal work - including high profile and challenging cases, High Court and Court of Appeal appearances. You must have a criminal lawyer provider approval at level 4, or the ability to obtain it in the near future and be qualified to practise law in New Zealand.We are looking to appoint in the range of $130,000 to $180,000.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 **********