Join our close-knit team and help us promote the ongoing review, reform and development of law.

Ko wai mātou: Who are we?

Te Aka Matua o te Ture | Law Commission is an independent Crown entity that undertakes law reform projects and provides advice to Ministers and public sector agencies.

Our role is to promote the systematic review, reform and development of the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. We are required to take into account te ao Māori in our recommendations and to recognise the multicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand society.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer

Working at the Law Commission provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of the law. You will be involved in the robust analysis of complex legal and policy issues, extensive public engagement and consultation and the formulation of innovative options for reform.

In joining our team, we offer:

• Being part of a small, friendly team that is passionate about reforming the law
• Commitment to your continued learning and development
• Direct professional development and support through working with Commissioners and highly experienced Principal Advisers 
• A workplace that values diversity
• A range of wellbeing benefits, such as:
  • gym access
  • squash court access
  • eyewear allowance
  • participation in Chemist Warehouse Corporate Flu Programme.
• Payment of practising fees

Te tūranga: The role

You’ll:

• Undertake rigorous legal research and analysis to inform high-quality advice, and review similar work by other team members 
• Plan and manage substantial or complex workstreams across the full lifecycle of a law reform project
• Identify and analyse legal and policy issues and develop well-reasoned options for reform, and review similar work by other team members
• Contribute to policy formulation and strategic thinking within project teams
• Draft consultation documents, briefings and final reports for the board, that are clear, concise and persuasive
• Produce written work that is thorough, balanced and demonstrates strong attention to detail, and review similar work by other team members
• Engage and consult effectively with a wide range of agencies, organisations and communities
• Build and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Identify and assess the implications of law reform proposals for te ao Māori, including tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Supervise and mentor law clerks and more junior staff
• Exercise sound professional judgement and handle sensitive or complex matters with tact and discretion

He kōrero mōu: About you

First and foremost, you are skilled in legal research and writing. You can:

• research new areas of law, both in Aotearoa New Zealand and in other jurisdictions
• identify key legal and policy issues
• develop options for reform
• produce written work which is thorough, demonstrates strong attention to detail, and is clear, concise and well-reasoned. 

In addition, you’re:

• Experienced in planning and managing projects or complex pieces of work.
• Able to identify the implications of law reform for te ao Māori, including in relation to tikanga Māori and te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Experienced in engagement and consultation, and able to build strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Organised and self-managing, with the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Able to exercise sound professional judgement and to handle sensitive matters tactfully and skilfully.
• Sensitive to the needs of New Zealand’s diverse communities.
• An active and enquiring thinker.

Tono mai: How to apply

The Law Commission is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

To apply,  please send us your CV and cover letter to employment@lawcom.govt.nz and tell us why you consider this role is the perfect fit for you. 

For any questions, please contact Sindy Gallen, General Manager, Law Commission. Sindy can be reached on sgallen@lawcom.govt.nz  

We will be reviewing applications as we go, so don’t delay in applying with your CV and a cover letter.