Judges Clerk

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 Community Magistrate and National Executive Judge

Te Haeata/The Opportunity

We invite applications for the position of Judge's Clerk to the Chief Community Magistrate (Chief CM) and National Executive Judge (NEJ). The position offers a graduate (or recent graduate) the opportunity to work closely with both judicial leaders for a period of up to two 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:

• support the Chief CM in their responsibilities under the District Court Act to ensure that the integrity of the office of Community Magistrate is maintained and that Community Magistrates operate effectively and efficiently within the framework of the District Court
• undertake legal research and draft legal opinions
• assist with the development and updating 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 operational and strategic 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 CM, the NEJ or on your own initiative
• undertake administrative duties including acting as secretariat for judicial committee meetings
• respond to legal and procedural queries
• provide legal research for conference papers and speeches
• on occasion, assist with legal research to support judgment writing.

The Judge's Clerk works directly to the Chief CM and the NEJ, 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

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. Chief Community Magistrate 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

We offer you a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make the Ministry a great place to be. These include:

• 22 days 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 6 September; 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 [email protected]

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