Senior Solicitor | Wellington

Job Description

Mō te tūranga mahi | About the role   

We're excited to be growing our in‑house legal capability and are looking for talented Senior Solicitors to join our supportive and collaborative Legal Team at the Ministry for the Environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to work that genuinely makes a difference for Aotearoa.

Our team provides trusted legal advice across the Ministry's policy and operational mahi, ensuring we meet our statutory obligations and supporting litigation management when the Ministry or Minister is involved in legal proceedings.

We have one permanent role and two fixed term or secondment opportunities with end dates from April 2027 - June 2027.

As a Senior Solicitor, you will partner closely with people across the organisation to deliver high‑quality, practical legal advice on a wide range of matters. You'll work on public, environmental, privacy, and commercial law issues, with a strong focus on policy and legislative development. You focus areas will change over time based on Ministry and Government priorities. You may also contribute to commercial work and litigation management, including Judicial Review and Waitangi Tribunal matters. Your advice will be delivered in a variety of formats, often in dynamic timeframes to support internal clients and Ministers.

You'll bring your sound judgement to guide good decision‑making and help identify and manage litigation risk. As a senior member of the team, you'll also coach and mentor colleagues, contribute to Legal & Risk development initiatives, and play a role leading  organisational practice on things like public sector duties, and Crown-wide approaches.

In return, you'll join a friendly, experienced, and passionate team where collaboration is the norm and your professional growth is genuinely supported. You'll have access to interesting, varied, and meaningful work that makes a difference to Aotearoa.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience   

Our ideal candidate will bring;

• Minimum 8 years PQE, preferably in a government context
• Strong experience providing legal advice, interpretation and support for the development of legislation, ideally with respect to legislation within the remit of MfE
• Strong experience in litigation management, RMA practice and/or climate matters
• A law degree and a current NZLS practising certificate (or current eligibility to obtain one) 

Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau | Salary range 

Salary range for this role is $119,974 to $145,706 pa.  Appointment within this range will be based on skills and experience. 

Tono ināianei | Apply now  

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and cover letter.  Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.     

If you require further information about this position, please contact catherine.prior@mfe.govt.nz.  

Rā Katinga | Applications close:   Thursday 5 March @ 11.59pm