Solicitor or Intermediate Solicitor (Legal Advisor)

About the role

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children is seeking a Solicitor or Intermediate Solicitor to provide legal advice and advocacy to social workers and other staff. The role involves significant courtroom work and collaborative community engagement to achieve positive outcomes for children and their whānau.

Key responsibilities

• Provide timely legal advice to social workers and other internal stakeholders.
• Represent Oranga Tamariki in court, conducting litigation focused on family and youth justice matters.
• Collaborate with community partners, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to develop appropriate solutions for children in need.
• Travel to courts and sites up to four nights per month (if based in Christchurch) and across Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru or Christchurch as required.
• Maintain cultural competence and support the organisation’s treaty commitments.

Required profile

• Admitted Barrister and Solicitor in New Zealand with a current or eligible practising certificate.
• For Intermediate Solicitor: minimum 3 years post‑qualification experience in a relevant area of law.
• Strong commitment to the wellbeing of tamariki and to honouring Māori treaty obligations.
• Willingness to travel within the region and a clean driver’s licence.
• Honest, transparent, team‑oriented and able to keep commitments.

Required skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency with digital tools for legal research and case management.
• Sound understanding of family law or youth justice law, or a genuine interest in developing expertise.
• Knowledge of tikanga Māori and Pacific cultural practices.

What we offer

• Fixed‑term contract until mid‑August 2027.
• Opportunity to make a real difference for children and families across multiple South Island locations.
• Professional development in Te Ao Māori and cultural competence.
• Travel allowance and use of Oranga Tamariki vehicles for regional duties.