Senior Legal & Policy Advisor
The Office of the Chief Justice Te Tari Toko Te Tumu Whakawā
A rare opportunity for an experienced Senior Lawyer with an interest in legislation, law reform and the separation of powers, to work at the constitutional interface between the judiciary and the executive.
The Office of the Chief Justice Te Tari Toko | Te Tumu Whakawā (known as “Te Tari”) supports the judicial branch of government including the Chief Justice, President of the Court of Appeal, and Chief Judge of the High Court, in their leadership and administrative responsibilities.
Mō tēnei tūranga | About this role
Reporting to the Chief Legal and Policy Advisor, you will provide quality legal, policy and strategic advice and other required support to the Chief Justice, Heads of Bench and Judges in leadership roles, as well as stepping in for the Chief Legal when required. The issues you will navigate are always new!
You will develop and deliver on work arising from the key priorities to assess the constitutional implications and issues that that impact the courts or the judiciary – helping to ensure that the separation of powers is retained. Work will include but not be limited to, the assessment and options in response to law reform proposals that may impact the courts or judiciary and on the legal and policy information issues that arise as a consequence of the institutional relationship between the courts and the Ministry of Justice.
This role provides direct engagement with the Chief Justice, and other Judges. This is a small team so you will work independently at times, as well as collaborate with others. Te Tari are seeking someone who thrives in an environment that will offer intellectual stimulation, a varied range of work and who will leave their ego at the door.
Te Tari offer a range of benefits to support your wellbeing and help make this a great place to be. See their full range of benefits here.
Mōhou ake | About you
- 4-10 years’ post qualification experience with at least a few years of that practising as a lawyer (someone working in policy who is seeking a return to law will be considered).
- Law reform experience as well as a broader constitutional understanding.
- Experience working in a high-paced environment where you are required to influence and respond to changing needs and priorities.
- Strong relationship management and communication skills.
- An understanding of the separation of powers and particularly of the judicial arm of government.
- Ability to work under pressure, organise work, prioritise, meet deadlines, maintain accuracy and confidentiality.
- Strong academics, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and ability to hold a practising certificate.
- Experience within the justice sector is considered a bonus (but not essential).
If your experience looks a little different from what we have outlined and you believe you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. Te Tari are open to considering secondments and fixed term contracts for suitably qualified candidates.
Tono ināianei | Apply Now
Robert Walters is exclusively managing the recruitment of this position. Apply now. Or, for a confidential discussion contact Apryl Burgess +64 27 816 9899 | apryl.burgess@robertwalters.co.nz or Julia Koning +64 21 206 0814 | julia.koning@robertwalters.co.nz. Applications close 9am on 28 April 2026, however, we encourage you to submit an application prior if you are interested.
Robert Walters endeavours to review all applications in a maximum of five working days. If you have not received correspondence in this timeframe please do not hesitate to contact Apryl Burgess on +6444719721.
