Principal Solicitor

Help shape the future of Education

We work to shape an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes

Our organisation is made up of talented and committed people around Aotearoa, from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. While we work in different groups and on different things, we all strive every day to make the biggest difference we can for our students in our education system.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga

This is a full-time permanent position based in Wellington. It reports to the Chief Legal Advisor at Ministry of Education, within the Corporate Group with the support of the Ministry’s Legal Services team and has a dotted line to the Chief Executive of the Charter School Agency as functional manager.

As Principal Solicitor (Legal Lead), you’ll cover a wide remit as secretariat and advisor to the Authorisation Board on the implementation of interventions with schools. This position extends across other agencies and statutory bodies, advises ministers and includes the monitoring and reporting of contracting with school sponsors.

The role provides high quality, timely, accurate legal advice in a variety of forms, ranging from opinions to oral advice through to workshopping and working with/instructing external advisors. It is a professional leadership role, drawing on expertise to contribute to the management, strategic and business planning and risk for the Agency’s leadership team.

The role is varied and challenging and key priorities are to: 

• Provide Corporate governance and advice on Board papers
• Deliver strategic and operational legal advice to the chief executive across governance, risk and statutory compliance
• Give expert advice covering government, commercial and public law 
• Understand the operating context and support the Agency to implement and operate the statutory framework for charter schools as set out in the Education and Training Act 2020
• Be the key interface with the Ministry of Education’s Legal Services team proactively engaging to identify issues, opportunities and points of collaboration and
• To manage the provision of external legal advice (as required) to support the Agency’s functions and goals.

Salary range: (10 years PQE) $140,146 - $170,196 per annum + kiwi saver. The successful candidate will be appointed at a salary which reflects individual skills and experience.

For more details about the role, you can view the Job Description here Principal Solicitor

About you | Mōhou ake

To be successful in the role, you’ll have proven capability in the awareness of risk management and the ability to provide risk analysis to all aspects of legal work. You’ll be able to work collaboratively and use sound judgement and self-confidence to take a stance. We value an exceptional level of integrity, self-motivation, agility, and responsiveness.

Essential Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in law (LLB or higher).
• Admitted Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
• Ability to hold a practicing certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society.

You will offer the following experience:

• 10 years PQE or other relevant experience
• Experience working in a legal role in education, Crown Entity. Working with a Board and/or public sector agency is desirable.
• Extensive experience in building relationships and partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Recognised as an expert practitioner – both as a legal generalist and in specialist subject area(s), with advanced advocacy skills and exceptional judgement on complex matters.
• Demonstrated experience providing senior legal advice in complex public-sector or regulatory environments, including advising executives and Boards.
• A strong client service attitude, with sound relationship skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Thorough understanding of the New Zealand system of government, including the role of Ministers, Cabinet, Parliament and central agencies and the requirements relating to the conduct of Crown legal
• Solid understanding of the impact of the Treaty of Waitangi/te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles on the Agency’s work is essential.
• Strong research, organisational, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate group is responsible for delivering essential Ministry-wide statutory and corporate functions. We enable the organisation to operate effectively and help fulfil the statutory and reporting obligations of Te Tāhuhu.

The Legal team sits within Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate and enables Education to undertake its functions lawfully by providing quality legal services. 

The Charter School Agency

The Charter School Agency is a departmental agency established to implement and operate the charter school model. We receive services and support from the Ministry of Education and are accountable to the Associate Minister of Education. We are the secretariat for the Authorisation Board, which approves sponsors for new and converting charter schools, oversees charter school performance, and decides on interventions with charter schools.

You can find more information at: www.charterschools.govt.nz/about-us.

Are you ready to make a difference? | Kua rite koe mō tēnei mahi?

If this opportunity interests you, please submit your cover letter and resume by using the ‘apply' button. In your cover letter we’d like to know about you, your values, or anything else you’d like to share. We’re keen to understand your motivations, strengths, transferable skills, and the diverse perspectives you will bring to the role.

For further information, please contact Jan Breakwell, Chief Legal Advisor at jan.breakwell@education.govt.nz

Applications close Midnight Friday 15 May 2026

We want our people to feel valued for their unique qualities and have a sense of belonging. If you require assistance or adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.