Intermediate/Senior Solicitor (Litigation)

About the role

Oranga Tamariki is seeking experienced litigation lawyers to join its Regional Legal Team in Wellington or Nelson. The role offers a unique blend of law, social work, and child wellbeing, providing legal advice and advocacy for social workers, site leaders, and other staff.

Key responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality legal advice and advocacy to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff.
• Appear before the Family Court and Youth Court, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for children and families.
• Offer 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.

Required profile

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand with a current practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).
• For intermediate appointments: at least 3 years post‑qualification experience (PQE) with litigation experience or a strong interest in developing advocacy skills.
• For senior appointments: at least 5 years PQE with demonstrated experience providing high‑quality legal advice and advocacy in complex matters.
• Litigation experience and confidence appearing before courts, or a strong desire to develop advocacy skills.
• Experience in family law is preferred.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children, youth and families.
• Dynamic, collaborative legal team environment.
• Professional development in a role where no two days are the same.