Principal & Senior Solicitors - Wellington
Position Title: Principal & Senior Solicitor
Team and Group: Legal, Corporate Services
Position Type: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Wellington CBD office
Salary: $109,208 - $155,000
About the opportunities | Ngā whakamārama mō te tūnga
Our legal team plays a key role in shaping policy and crafting effective legislation. We guide regulatory choices, manage legal risk, and provide expert advice across the Ministry – from commercial contracts to regulatory decision-making.
Exciting opportunities are now open for a Principal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor to join our talented Legal team.
Principal Solicitor
In this newly created role, alongside our existing Principal Solicitors, your key responsibilities will include:
Driving the delivery of high-quality and robust legal advice
Overseeing and providing legal advice on new and amending legislation, including instructing Parliamentary Counsel, and attending Cabinet Committees and Select Committees
Providing strong intellectual leadership in drafting transport rules and associated secondary legislation, including preparing drafting instructions and liaison with transport agencies and other Government Departments
Leading the delivery of legal advice on Official Information Act and Privacy Acts requests as well as liaising with the Ombudsman's office and Privacy Commissioner regarding complaints
Providing thought leadership to inform, drive and challenge Ministry thinking and support policy recommendations
Enhancing the overall capability of the team through coaching and mentoring team members.
We are open to receiving interest from Senior Solicitors with relevant experience who are motivated and ready to take the next step in their career.
Senior Solicitor
As one of the Senior Solicitors in the team you will be responsible for:
Providing general legal advice to the Ministry and Ministers
Providing robust legal advice on the development of policy
Providing legal and other services related to new and amending legislation, including instructing Parliamentary Counsel, and attending cabinet committees and Select Committees
Providing input into draft transport rules and associated regulations
Providing legal advice on Official Information Act and Privacy Act requests and liaising with the Ombudsman's office and Privacy Commissioner regarding complaints
Instructing Crown Solicitors and Crown Counsel on litigation involving Ministers or the Ministry
Drafting and reviewing contracts and agreements and reviewing other documents relating to the Ministry’s activities
Providing training and development to the Ministry’s staff requiring legislative knowledge where appropriate
Providing guidance and on-the-job training and coaching to more junior team members and providing peer review within the team.
Te wāhi ki a koe | What you’ll bring
A Law degree and the ability to hold a legal practicing certificate
Successful demonstrated experience as a Solicitor in an in-house legal role
Experience in the development of legislation and the Parliamentary process
Demonstrated ability to engage with and influence others across a range of disciplines
Experience in building and maintaining high-quality stakeholder relationships
A continued interest in developing your cultural capability and capacity in te ao Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi to help strengthen your legal advice.
For a detailed criteria on each position, please see the online job description at https://mot.careercentre.net.nz/Job/ or by clicking the apply button.
Salary range | Whānuitanga Utu ā-Tau
The salary range for the positions is $109,208 - $155,000 per annum + KiwiSaver. The salary offered will reflect the role level as well as the skills and experience you bring.
What we offer | Te wāhi ki a mātou
You’ll be joining a small and agile agency with strong values. We maintain a flat structure and strive towards being a high-performing Ministry motivated to achieve success and develop their people.
You’ll receive a range of employee benefits including additional Ministry leave days, health and wellbeing benefits and a welcoming range of employee networks.
You’ll be part of small, approachable and close-knit legal team that values collaboration, expertise and making a real impact. You’ll also collaborate across the wider ministry and public service– including internal teams and external stakeholders, Parliamentary Counsel, Crown Law, other government agencies and service providers.
Join us and be a part of our passionate ministry, shaping the future of transport in New Zealand.
About the Ministry of Transport | He kupu mō mātou Te Manatū Waka
The Ministry of Transport is an impartial, expert and trusted adviser to government, shaping transport for New Zealand. We work to deliver a well-functioning transport system that helps grow New Zealand’s economy and productivity. The Ministry’s values are integrity, excellence, and collaboration.
How to apply | Me pēhea te tono mai
To view the job description, or apply online, click Apply. Please include a CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
You must have right to live and work in New Zealand and be based in Wellington or, be ready to relocate. Other locations will not be considered.
Applications close midnight, Wednesday 1 October 2025.
For further information or to speak confidentially, please contact Senior Recruitment Adviser, Rebecca Bakker at r.bakker@transport.govt.nz.
We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, orientations, and identities. We aim to have a Ministry that represents the wider Aotearoa that we serve. We champion diversity, inclusion and wellbeing and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels relevant, valued, supported and a sense of belonging.
For any support or accessibility needs during our recruitment process, please contact us at applications@transport.govt.nz
Please note, we are not engaging with recruitment agencies to fill this vacancy and unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
