Small business | Great outcomes | Thriving community
Join our team!
PAL 1 Criminal Defence Lawyer
📍 Mangere Bridge, South Auckland 🕒 Full-time
Step into a meaningful legal career with real impact.
Mason & Mortimer Lawyers (MAMLAW) is a respected, community-focused law firm based in Māngere Bridge, South Auckland. We’re known for being responsive, approachable, and deeply connected to the people we serve. Our team of dedicated specialists brings passion and experience across criminal law, estate planning, conveyancing, relationship property, and traffic matters.
We’re currently looking for a motivated and capable PAL 1 Criminal Defence Lawyer to join our close-knit team.
What You’ll Do
In this key role, you’ll work closely with our senior lawyer to provide high-quality legal representation to private and legally aided clients. Your work will include:
- Managing a varied criminal caseload, including judge-alone and jury trials
- Advising and appearing for clients in court on a range of criminal matters
- Drafting submissions, conducting legal research, and preparing for hearings
- Assisting and learning alongside experienced PAL 4 lawyer on complex cases
- Mentoring junior staff and collaborating with the wider legal team
- Providing duty lawyer services when required
Our support staff handle administrative tasks like billing and disclosure requests, so you can focus on what you do best — the law.
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- PAL 1 approved under the Legal Services Act 2011 but on track to become PAL 2 in the near future;
- Experienced with at least 2+ years’ post-qualification experience;
- Passionate about criminal defence and committed to client advocacy;
- Understanding of Court processes and protocols;
- Confident in court, with strong communication and case management skills;
- Proactive, solutions-focused, and a team player;
- Keen to support and mentor junior legal staff
- Play a key role in shaping and potentially leading the criminal law division of the firm
Bonus if you’re familiar with Actionstep (our case management system), but training can be provided.
Why Join MML?
- Work with a well-established and reputable firm that values its people
- Gain hands-on trial experience, including junioring on jury trials with senior PAL 4 lawyer
- Access ongoing mentoring, supervision, and training;
- Be part of a collaborative and supportive team in a diverse community
- Enjoy a healthy work-life balance and a genuinely people-first culture
Sound like you?
If you’re ready to grow your career with a firm that makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
📩 Apply now by sending your CV and cover letter to info@mamlaw.co.nz