Crown Law Office | Te Tari Ture o te Karauna
Crown Counsel, Crown Legal Risk Group

About us | Mō mātou

Crown Law’s purpose is to serve New Zealand by supporting the Government to operate lawfully.

Crown Law’s functions are:

Supporting the Law Officers (the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General) of the Crown
Providing legal services to Government with excellence
Leading the government legal profession
Overseeing public prosecutions

Crown Law provides legal advice and representation services to the Government in matters affecting the executive government. The services Crown Law provides include matters covering judicial review of government actions, constitutional questions including Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi issues, the enforcement of criminal law, and the protection of revenue. Crown Law also administers the prosecution process in the criminal justice system, in particular, Crown prosecutions.

About the Roles | Mō ngā tūranga

To support Crown Law’s work across Aotearoa New Zealand, we are expanding our counsel capability in Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau. This is an exciting opportunity for experienced Auckland based lawyers with a passion for public law and a commitment to excellence.

As Crown Counsel, you will manage litigation files (as lead counsel or as part of a team of lawyers), provide advice to Ministers and senior government officials, manage client relationships, and mentor and develop more junior team members. You will work collaboratively with other colleagues within your team and have opportunities to work with other teams.

Our leadership role within the Government Legal Network will enable you to access a range of professional development opportunities, as part of a broader network of approximately 1,200 lawyers working in the public sector.

Public Law Teams

We’re looking for four experienced lawyers (10+ years PQE) who are ready to make an impact through high-profile public law work in Aotearoa New Zealand. These roles are part of the Crown Legal Risk Group which includes four Public Law Teams and a Revenue (tax) Team. The Teams work across a wide variety of subject areas including property law, natural resources and resource management, local government and development, social services, business and innovation, health, biosecurity, defence and security, education and transport.

Two of the roles we are seeking to fill will work on advice and litigation in the areas of defence and security, business and innovation, emerging technology, citizenship and immigration, gambling and anti-money laundering and countering financing of terrorism, and education.

Another two roles will focus on Government-led inquiries, and advice and litigation in the areas of fisheries, biosecurity, food safety, housing and development, and emergency management.

The roles provide development opportunities for anyone who wants to pursue a career in public law advice and litigation. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to take on a leadership role in mentoring junior staff and building relationships with our departmental clients.

Our litigation work is primarily in the senior courts (High Court, Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court) and government-focused tribunals and inquiries.

About You | Mōu

To be successful in these roles you will bring:

A Bachelor of Laws and current practising certificate (or eligibility to get one)
A minimum of 10 years’ PQE, with a strong background in public law, judicial review, legislative processes, and/or civil litigation. (A mix of advisory skills and litigation experience in the senior courts is preferred)
Experience in advice and/or litigation involving property law, natural resources and resource management, and/or commercial law and emerging technology, is preferred but not essential
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Keen analytical and problem-solving skills, and a desire to work on challenging legal issues
Excellent relationship-building skills and a desire to contribute to a collaborative and high-performing environment
A passion for working on impactful and interesting legal issues

Auckland | Tāmaki Makaurau

These roles are Auckland based and located at Crown Law’s Auckland CBD office in the HSBC Tower, 188 Quay St.

What we Offer | Ngā painga

A starting salary range of between $139,815 and $185,912 with further room to progress. The appointing salary will be based on skills and experience
An annual wellness payment
5 weeks annual leave plus 3 additional leave days (Crown Law days)
Opportunities for development and growth across Crown Law

Apply Now | Tono mai ināianei

All applications should include a covering letter and curriculum vitae.

To be considered for a position at Crown Law you must have a legal right to live and work in NZ and are required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Records check.

If you have any additional questions about this role, or if you have a disability that affects the submission of your application through the online process, please email people.capability@crownlaw.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5pm on 12 July 2026.