Solicitor/Intermediate Solicitor

• Permanent role based in Auckland
• Make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

Mō mātou | About us

Oranga Tamariki—Ministry for Children has a commitment to putting tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of what we do. In our work, we aim to demonstrate these values:

• We put Tamariki first
• We believe Aroha is vital
• We respect the Mana of people
• We are Tika and Pono
• We value Whakapapa
• We recognise that Oranga is a journey

We are committed to ensuring that New Zealand is the best place in the world to be a child. We are also committed to ensuring Oranga Tamariki partners with hapū, iwi and Māori organisations to find appropriate solutions for tamariki and rangatahi in need.

Mō te tūnga | About the role

We're looking for talented litigation lawyers to join our Regional Legal Team and help make a meaningful difference to the lives of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.

Whether you are a Solicitor looking to take the next step in your career, or an experienced Solicitor seeking a role with purpose and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Based in Auckland, this role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of law, social work and child wellbeing. You'll provide high-quality legal advice and advocacy services to social workers, site leadership teams and other Oranga Tamariki staff. A significant part of the role involves appearing before the Family Court and Youth Court, representing Oranga Tamariki and supporting positive outcomes for tamariki and their whānau.

You'll work as part of a dynamic and collaborative legal team that supports the organisation to achieve its vision of ensuring all tamariki are in loving whānau and communities where their wellbeing can be realised.

Depending on your level of experience, you may also:

• Provide strategic legal guidance on complex and sensitive matters
• Support legal risk identification and management
• Mentor and coach junior legal colleagues
• Deliver training and education to frontline staff
• Contribute to continuous improvement across Legal Services

This is an opportunity to apply your legal expertise in a role where no two days are the same and where your mahi has a direct and lasting impact on the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi across Aotearoa.

Ngā pūmanawatanga ōu | What you will bring

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Admission as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate.
• For Intermediate Solicitor appointments, you'll ideally bring 3+ years PQE and litigation experience or a strong interest in developing your advocacy practice.
• Litigation experience and confidence appearing before the courts, or a strong desire to further develop your advocacy skills
• Experience in family law, care and protection law, youth justice, criminal law, or other relevant litigation environments
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong relationship-building capability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Sound judgement and the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations
• An understanding of, or commitment to developing your knowledge of, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori
• An appreciation of cross-cultural practices, including Pacific perspectives
• Resilience, adaptability and the ability to manage competing priorities
• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau

You'll also have a current full driver's licence and be willing to travel as required across the North Island region.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Oranga Tamariki offers a step-based remuneration package that recognises experience and supports annual progression through tenure.

The successful candidate will be appointed to either the Solicitor or Intermediate Solicitor level based on their skills, experience, and demonstrated capability.

We also offer a vibrant and supportive team, flexible work options and a genuine commitment to wellbeing. We offer significant training and professional development so that you can thrive and grow. We welcome diversity and are committed to working in an inclusive and respectful way. This is your opportunity to apply your skills and experience to the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

To Learn More About Our Employee Benefits, Please Visit

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Apply online with your CV and Cover Letter. As this opportunity is open to both Solicitor and Intermediate Solicitor candidates, please indicate in your application which level you wish to be considered for and outline the skills, experience and capability that support your application at that level.

If you are an Oranga Tamariki employee already, please ensure you apply using your Oranga Tamariki email address. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Info_recruit@ot.govt.nz.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday 5 th November 2026.

If you are interested in joining Oranga Tamariki, please ensure you make yourself familiar with our Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for all kaimahi and requires employees to present at work free from the influence of drugs and alcohol.