• Based at Police National Headquarters
• Legal Adviser I - IV, salary range $87,401 to $148,818
• Permanent position – 2 vacancies available

About the role

We currently have two vacancies for experienced lawyers to join Legal Services, based at PNHQ, to support the work of the Firearms Safety Authority.  Although the positions are based at PNHQ, it is anticipated the successful applicants will spend time each week working from Rugby House, where the Firearms Safety Authority are located, and on occasions working from the Kapiti office.  

The legal adviser position requires experience in working independently to provide high quality oral and written advice, often within tight deadlines.  While the work is varied, and an ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities is required, the primary focus of the roles is to provide legal support and advice to the Firearms Safety Authority. Experience working in criminal law, public law, information law and/or civil litigation would be an advantage. 

The successful applicant must hold or be eligible to hold a practising certificate.

Key Accountabilities include:

• Identifying legal risks and providing advice on appropriate actions
• Providing timely direction and advice to the Firearms Safety Authority on civil and criminal matters, contractual obligations, prosecutions, complaints, and privacy and official information requests
• Liaising with Crown Counsel and Crown Solicitors, as appropriate, in respect of civil or criminal matters
• Managing projects as required within Legal Services, including law reform issues, primarily related to firearms related matters
• Developing and maintaining networks within the Ministry of Justice, Parliamentary Counsel Office, other government agencies and members of the legal profession as appropriate
• Maintaining close working relationships within Police networks and the Firearms Safety Authority
• Contributing to objectives of Police and the Firearms Safety Authority as a member of the Legal Services team

What you’ll bring

We are looking for:

• The ability to work independently and prioritise work
• Experience as either in-house counsel and/or as a litigator
• Expertise in providing advice in criminal law, public law, information law, and/or in civil litigation
• Experience in researching and providing high quality oral and written legal advice
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• Skills in developing and maintaining strong relationships

While we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, and your ability to contribute to and build a high-performing team, and the way that you lead yourself or others.

This role is set at Individual Contributor level, this means your key purpose is “to deliver or enable others to deliver Our Business”.

We will ask you questions based on “How we will deliver Our Business – Core Competencies” and the appropriate role level, i.e., Individual Contributor. 

View Our Core Competencies.

These questions will be unique and specific to the role, focusing on the aspects the hiring manager believes are most important for that position at the time. 

View Our Values.

About us

Our mission is to prevent crime and harm through exceptional policing.  Our vision is to be the safest country. Our purpose is to ensure everybody can be safe and feel safe.

Special requirements

• LLB degree and a current NZ practising certificate or the ability to obtain this without further study.

Working Flexibly

Your wellbeing inside and outside of work is important to us. We’re open to discussing flexible working options that work for both you and the business.

For more information view Our Careers page.

How to apply

Apply now! You will be required to submit an application form and a CV. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken.

View the position description.

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact via email. 

Please note: Applications close 5pm, Monday 5 June 2023.