Employed Criminal Barrister: sex, drugs, violence and hard work
Shannon Withers
Based in Auckland
We are a small but extremely busy criminal law practice based in Epsom. We regularly service all Courts in the Auckland cluster, with occasional matters outside of Auckland. We are looking for a clever, robust, and diligent law graduate to join us.
This is not a job for the faint of heart, or a career-tourist looking to “give criminal law a try”. We are engaged in the very serious business of defending people against allegations of drug supply, sex crimes, dishonesty, and violence to name a few. This is not a 9-5 role, there will be many instances where the exigencies of trial, arrest, or crushing workload will require work after hours and early starts. Many of the clients will not understand the careful preparation and effort you put into the work and can be discourteous for reasons various, including drug addiction and mental impairments. There will be times where we will speak to you in direct terms; there will be times that the Court talks to you in direct terms. If the above gives you pause, do not apply as time is in short supply and not to be wasted. We work hard and will expect you to do the same.
Notwithstanding, the criminal law is a deeply rewarding career. No two days are ever the same. You will learn something new every single day. There is a tremendous intimacy in the trust a person places in you to uphold their rights against the might of the state. There is satisfaction in performing to a very high standard.
The starting salary is $55,000 (non-negotiable) but raises significantly with each change in the Provider Approval Level or at our discretion (read: if you perform well, we will pay you more).
You will be available to start within the next 2 weeks to 1 month. You will be eligible to obtain your practising certificate. You will be resident of New Zealand and eligible to work (no overseas applications please; we will not read them). You will have a full driver licence and your own car. You will not have any criminal convictions. You will understand that we will train you, making considerable investment of both time and money to your development. You will understand that we know what we are doing and accept guidance in your role. You will, however, also be capable of finding work that needs to be done and doing it; we are often in trial (as you will be too) so the successful candidate will need to be relatively self-sufficient. Good grades are crucial (transcript required): they are an indicator of solid writing skills which are a mandatory starting point - your writing and advocacy reflects on us and on the client. You must deal well with people from all walks of life, of all races, of all genders, preferences and all of the infinite permutations of human possibility. You will have a sense of humour and be prepared to engage it often.
Please email law@shannonwithers.co.nz