Principal Solicitor

About Us | Mō mātou      

The legal mahi at Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs spans so many areas, for example gambling regulation (including online gambling), anti-money laundering, digital identity, charities, National Library and Archives, life events (births, deaths, marriages and civil unions), citizenships, ministerial services, and inquiry support to name a few.    

The role | Te tūnga  

As Principal Solicitor, you will be a trusted senior adviser deployed where your expertise is most needed. Working across Te Tari's two legal teams, you will support  the Legal Managers oversee the team’s  regulatory work and legal risk, as well as look for ways to improve how the team works across our regulatory frameworks. 

The mahi spans across Te Tari Taiwhenua's diverse portfolio. You may focus on working in a particular area, lead a special project, take care of a sensitive or complex matter, provide senior capacity during an urgent response, or support another lawyer to deliver high-quality advice. 

You will help identify priorities and emerging risks, provide strategic and practical guidance, review or shape advice, mentor colleagues, and build legal capability across the organisation.

The work involves regulatory compliance and enforcement and providing strategic advice in relation to litigation. You will build trusted relationships across Te Tari Taiwhenua, Crown Law, and external advisers, while contributing to capability and continuous improvement across the Legal Team. 

This role suits an experienced, adaptable lawyer who enjoys variety, works well at pace and helps others deliver excellent work. 
    

What you bring | Nōu te rourou  

• A minimum of 7 years PQE 

• Proven senior-level legal experience and sound judgement on complex or high-risk matters  

• Strong regulatory and public law expertise  

• The agility to move between portfolios and quickly understand unfamiliar issues  

• Working effectively under urgency, sensitivity or ambiguity  

• The ability to identify emerging risks, support managerial oversight, and escalate issues while providing options for moving forward  

• Excellent communication, relationship management and influencing skills  

• A collaborative leadership style with experience mentoring, coaching and supporting other senior lawyers; 

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi is important to the legal team’s work, so an interest in Māori/ Crown relations and the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is desirable