Intermediate/Senior Solicitor

Permanent role based in Wellington or Nelson

Make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau

Mo m tou | About us

Oranga Tamariki-Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

We put Tamariki first

We believe Aroha is vital

We respect the Mana of people

We are Tika and Pono

We value Whakapapa

We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapu, iwi and M ori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki and rangatahi in need.

Mo te tunga | About the role

We're looking for talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau.

Whether you are an Intermediate Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced Senior Solicitor seeking a role with purpose and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Based in either Wellington or Nelson, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, social work and child wellbeing. You'll provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy services to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff. A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and their wh nau.

You'll work as part of a dynamic and collaborative legal team that supports the organisation to achieve its vision of ensuring all tamariki are in loving wh nau and communities where their wellbeing can be realised.

Depending on your level of experience, you may also:

Provide strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters

Support legal risk identification and management

Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues

Deliver training and education to frontline staff

Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services

This is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a role where no two days are the same and where your mahi has a direct and lasting impact on the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa.

Ng pumanawatanga ou | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate.

For Intermediate Solicitor appointments, you'll ideally bring 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or a strong interest in developing your advocacy practice.

For Senior Solicitor appointments, you'll ideally bring 5+ years PQE and demonstrated experience providing high-quality legal advice and advocacy in complex matters.

Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts, or a strong desire to further develop your advocacy skills

Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments

Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Strong relationship-building capability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

Sound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations

An understanding of, or commitment to developing your knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga M ori and Te Ao M ori

An appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including Pacific perspectives

Resilience, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities

A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and wh nau

You'll also have a current full driver's licence and be willing to travel as required across the Upper South Island/ Lower North Island region.

Nou te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that recognises experience and supports annual progression through tenure.

Annual remuneration for this position is dependent on the level of appointment:

Intermediate Solicitor: $90,429 - $100,019 per annum

Senior Solicitor: $106,416 - $117,782 per annum

The successful candidate will be appointed to either the Intermediate Solicitor or Senior Solicitor level based on their skills, experience, and demonstrated capability.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To learn more about our employee benefits, please visit Employee Benefits.

Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. As this opportunity is open to both Intermediate Solicitor and Senior Solicitor candidates, please indicate in your application which level you wish to be considered for and outline the skills, experience and capability that support your application at that level.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 9th August 2026.

If you are interested in joining Oranga Tamariki, please ensure you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.