Lawyer | 12 month fixed term | Christchurch

• 12 month fixed term role
• Christchurch based opportunity
• Join an engaging and collaborative team.

Put your legal skills and experience to work, helping New Zealanders to be safe, strong and independent.

About us | Mō mātou 

The Ministry of Social Development is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy and advice to government and assistance, including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

About the Role | Mō te tūnga

We are seeking an enthusiastic lawyer with high levels of integrity and professionalism to join our supportive and collegial team in providing quality legal services for the Ministry of Social Development.

The Ministry of Social Development is involved in supporting New Zealanders through income, housing and employment support. You will work with a broad range of internal clients to support the work that the Ministry of Social Development does to help New Zealanders.

We are looking for a practical lawyer with 2+ years PQE who would enjoy helping our internal clients lawfully achieve their goals.  

The focus of the role is providing advice to front line staff, advocacy on appeals before the Social Security Appeal Authority and conducting prosecutions in the District Court.

We focus on growth and development of our staff, and this vacancy is the result of parental leave.  All our lawyers have the opportunity to assist across the areas undertaken by the broader MSD Legal team.  

You will join an inclusive and fun environment where we celebrate achievements and prioritise development, and value diversity.  The fixed term position is based in Christchurch.

About You | Mōu

Our ideal lawyer:

• is curious, analytical and has an eye for detail
• has an interest in a broad range of legal areas and public service
• provides clear legal advice on complex issues
• has strong research, writing and drafting skills
• enjoys working collaboratively and has excellent relationship building skills
• has 2 years PQE in general legal practice, possibly with some court advocacy 
• has a current practicing certificate or the ability to immediately obtain one 
• has a current driver licence 

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga 

A copy of the position description can be found here. Lawyer position descrption.

Salary range | Utu-ā-tau: $90,743.00 - $109,980.00

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.  

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key responsibilities listed in the position description. 

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work.  This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Thursday 28 August 2025. 

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.  We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive, and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. We are a Treaty partner committed to strengthening relationships with Māori, Hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.

MSD has a COVID-19 vaccination policy that encourages, but does not require, employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and its variants, unless the role is identified as requiring vaccination at the time.