Senior 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 unique opportunity for experienced lawyers to contribute to one of the most significant programmes of work currently underway across government.

The Ministry is strengthening its response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care, with a strong focus on providing redress for more survivors, delivered in a way that is trauma‑informed, fair, and mana‑enhancing. We are seeking two Senior Solicitors to support this work alongside our Sensitive Claims Unit – one permanent and one fixed‑term role (through to 30 June 2027).

These roles sit within the Public Law team in Legal & Privacy and will provide legal advice, review, and assurance to the Ministry’s Sensitive Claims Unit.

As a Senior Solicitor supporting Sensitive Claims, you will provide high‑quality, practical legal advice in a complex and sensitive operating environment. Your work will directly support decision‑making on claims relating to historic abuse in care and help ensure the Ministry’s approach aligns with legal obligations, public law principles, and the Crown’s response to the Royal Commission.

You will be trusted to operate with a high degree of autonomy, sound judgment, and professionalism in matters that are often complex and emotionally demanding.

Salary range: $119,171 - $144,560 per annum plus KiwiSaver. 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.

About you | Mōhou ake

We are looking for experienced lawyers who combine strong technical capability with empathy, sound judgment, and a commitment to public service.

You will bring: 

• 6+ years of post-admission experience
• Strong legal analytical skills, with experience in public law, complex advisory work, litigation, disputes, or claims‑based work (direct claims experience is beneficial but not essential)
• The ability to provide clear, practical, and timely advice in complex and evolving contexts
• Excellent relationship‑management and communication skills, with the confidence to engage constructively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Solid understanding of the impact of the Treaty of Waitangi | te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles on the Ministry’s work
• Strong research, organisational, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• A commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Tertiary qualification in law and the ability to hold a practicing certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society
• The ability and willingness to adhere to the Public Service Standards of Integrity and Conduct.

Experience in the public sector, working with vulnerable communities, or advising on human rights and redress processes will be an advantage.

About our group and team | Mātau rōpū ake

Te Pou Rangatōpū | Corporate is responsible for a range of support functions that enable other Ministry areas to focus on the delivery of excellent and equitable outcomes for users of the education system. The functions within the group are focused on providing responsive services and solutions that enhance Ministry staff experience and maintain and grow public trust and confidence in the Ministry to deliver.

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

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. Please also indicate which position you are applying for, permanent or fixed term.

For further information, please contact Matthew Kidd, Legal Manager, Public Law at matthew.kidd@education.govt.nz.

Applications close | Midnight Sunday 17 May 2026 but will be considered as they are received.

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.