Judges' Clerk 2028 (Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court)

About the role

The Ministry of Justice is recruiting Judges' Clerks for the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court of New Zealand, starting from January 2028. Positions are open to students with a very high level of academic ability and proficiency in legal research who will finish their undergraduate law degree in 2027. The appointments are for a two-year fixed term, and some positions may be available earlier, to mid-2027.

Key responsibilities

• Undertake legal research at the direction of the judge or judges allocated to them
• Prepare written legal opinions and collate authorities on points of law
• Comment on draft judgments and proofread them before delivery
• Write summaries of recent court decisions and analyse issues in particular appeals or first-instance hearings
• Assist with the preparation of speeches and carry out some administrative tasks for their judges
• In the High Court, clerks usually work with two judges; some may travel on circuit with their judges

Required profile

• Holding or being in the final stages of a law degree; international applicants must complete conversion papers and obtain work authorisation
• A high level of academic ability and proficiency in legal research (an Honours degree is not essential)
• Commitment to human rights, dignity and equity, and cultural competence including Te Tiriti and tikanga
• Understanding of the judiciary's role in New Zealand's constitution and of judicial independence
• Strong organisational skills, ability to cope with stress, and commitment to confidentiality
• Broad legal education, preferably including Evidence and Company Law

Application process

• Submit one application through the Ministry of Justice careers website by 3 February 2027, with a covering letter, a 2-3 page CV, an academic transcript and a significant piece of legal writing (no more than 50 pages)
• Forward a copy of the application to the Dean of your law school and include referee contact details
• Interviews are held in February or March 2027 via virtual meeting rooms; offers follow shortly after

Salary is NZ$69,845 to NZ$81,272 per year, progressing over the 24-month clerkship.