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

Mō mātou | About us

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 of the Crown

• Leading the government legal profession

• Overseeing public prosecutions

• Providing legal services to Government

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.

We strive to incorporate and reflect te reo Māori and tikanga in the workplace. Crown Law is also committed to flexibility and provides a range of flexible working arrangements that allow our team members to work in ways that allow them and the organisation to perform at their best.

Mō te Tūranga | About the Role

We are looking to appoint two Crown Counsel lawyers into the Crown Legal Risk Group, in two of the Public Law teams. One of the teams provides advice and litigation services focusing on natural resources issues, including climate change, resource management, conservation, transport and land law. The other team provides advice and litigation services focusing on fisheries, biosecurity, food safety and government-led inquiries. We would like to hear from lawyers who are interested in:

• advice work, litigation, mediation and negotiation for the Crown;

• contributing to robust government decision-making; and

• working on legally challenging issues.

We would like to talk to people with a range of skillsets, with public or private sector experience.

The Crown Counsel role offers cutting edge work spanning a range of areas of law. Crown Counsel have frequent litigation opportunities in the Senior Courts and contact with Ministers and senior government officials.

Crown Counsel have responsibility for litigation files, either as lead counsel, or may fit within a team on large litigation, collaborating with senior and junior lawyers.

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

For more information on the role, please refer to the attached position description.

Location: Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington

This role is Wellington based and located next to Wellington bus and train station. 

What we Offer

Crown Law promotes flexible working so we’d be happy to chat about what flexible working would look like for you and how we can support that. You will also receive:

• A starting salary range of between $114,585 and $184,712 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.

Tēnā tonoa mai | Apply Now

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 New Zealand and are required to complete a Ministry of Justice Criminal Records check. 

Access requirements and/or whānau support will be taken into account when arranging interviews.

If you have any additional questions about this role or would like to kōrero prior to applying, or if you have a disability that affects the submission of your application through the online process, please email HR@crownlaw.govt.nz.

Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 16 November 2025.