Would you like to work at the heart of government, designing and developing New Zealand’s laws?

The Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) plays a critical and distinctive role in developing and designing legislation. We work closely with our colleagues across Government to deliver legislation that is fit-for-purpose, constitutionally sound, and accessible.

We are looking to grow our team of legislative drafters. As part of this team, you will work alongside experienced counsel and gain a fascinating insight into the politics, policy development, and legal design behind New Zealand’s legislation.

A legislative drafting role offers the opportunity to:

• work on “greenfield” projects which require unique and innovative legal solutions
• enhance and adjust existing legislation in response to developing situations
• analyse complex legal issues
• collaborate with and influence some of Government’s top lawyers and policy analysts
• work on legislation as it proceeds through Parliamentary and select committee processes
• and more!

To see what drafters say about working at PCO, see Life at PCO.

What we are looking for

We are looking for lawyers who:

• have excellent legal, analytical, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to break down complex ideas and reason logically
• are able to work under pressure both within a team and independently
• show a high level of initiative and judgement, flexibility, and a sense of responsibility
• are clear communicators and advocates for plain language
• support PCO’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the revitalisation of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga.

Previous experience as a lawyer in private practice, the public sector, a legislative drafting office, or another legal environment is an advantage. Applicants with more than 7 years previous experience working in a legislative drafting office should contact us for the job description and salary band for Advanced Counsel.

PCO is committed to supporting the Crown to be an effective Treaty partner and has developed a te ao Māori strategy. One component of this strategy is to grow our capacity and capability in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori in our whare and mahi. There are opportunities to influence and guide PCO’s response to this rapidly developing area for those fluent in te reo Māori and with knowledge of tikanga Māori.

What we offer you

This is an excellent opportunity to join a professional and highly respected organisation. PCO is a small and friendly office of around 120 people with a passion for producing great legislation.

We value our people and provide a flexible and supportive environment where each individual can thrive and be who they are. We embrace diversity and welcome the fresh energy and perspectives that new team members bring to our work. New legislative drafters receive extensive training and coaching from experienced drafters when they join.

Our benefits include five weeks’ annual leave, vision, hearing, and exercise subsidies, in-house te reo Māori classes, a flexible working policy to support work-life balance, and more. We have an active social committee, a netball team, and free access to the gymnasium and swimming pool in the parliamentary complex.

How to apply

For more information about working at the PCO, as well as the job description, please visit our careers page Legislative Drafters | Ngā Kaituhituhi Ture | Parliamentary Counsel Office. Applications must include a CV, a copy of your academic record, and a cover letter, sent to recruitment@pco.govt.nz.

Applications close 30 March 2026.