Public Defence Service - New Zealand

As the largest employer of criminal defence lawyers in New Zealand - from Supervised Providers to PAL 4 Public Defenders - the PDS is a great place to grow your criminal defence law career. We develop and support criminal lawyers and have a team of highly skilled and dedicated people who are committed to promoting our clients'​ best interests and carrying our guardianship role in New Zealand's justice system. We have 10 offices around New Zealand and a team of nearly 250 lawyers and support staff.

Our team say that they love the collegiality - always having expert colleagues around to problem solve with, and they enjoy the variety - you never know what each day will bring. They don't have to go out and look for work, and they have great admin support. It is also important to them that they are part of establishing a more fair and just society.

We like to be the best employer possible - the PDS is flexible with employment - many of our team work part time or negotiated hours to fit around family and other commitments. Our lawyers get lots of opportunity for mentoring and coaching, have access to a first-class training programme and are able to attend industry conferences and events. It is important to us that you are able learn and become the best criminal defence lawyer you can be.

And as part of the Ministry of Justice we have a huge amount of support wrapped around us - HR, finance, IT and other support services are all provided.

"There is so much more support and collegiality than anywhere else I have worked. You have so many experts around you to bounce ideas off."​ (Edith)