- Managing client matters, including attending to clients following arrest.
- Appearing in court and actively advocating on behalf of clients.
- Preparing submissions, case management memoranda (CMMs) and bail variation applications.
- Undertaking client attendances and managing the practical demands of criminal proceedings.
- Preparing for and participating in Judge Alone Trials (JATs), with opportunities to continue developing your trial experience.
CRIMINAL LAWYER
Auckland CBD | $70,000–$80,000 + Quarterly Performance Bonuses
Ready to make your mark in criminal law?
CRE8 Talent is seeking a capable, driven Criminal Lawyer for an established Auckland practice with a strong focus on criminal defense, a collaborative team culture and genuine opportunities for career progression.
This is an opportunity for a lawyer who has found their feet in criminal practice, is gaining confidence in court and is ready to take the next step in their career.
You’ll be working in a team that values good advocacy, practical legal skills and people who take ownership of their work. You’ll have access to supervision, structured processes and experienced colleagues who are available when you need support — without being expected to figure everything out on your own.
If you want to build your criminal law career in a team that backs your development and rewards performance, this is worth a conversation.
The role
This is a dedicated criminal law position. You’ll be actively involved in criminal defense work, managing clients and appearing in court across Auckland.
Your work will include:
Managing client matters, including attending to clients following arrest.
Appearing in court and actively advocating on behalf of clients.
Preparing submissions, case management memoranda (CMMs) and bail variation applications.
Undertaking client attendances and managing the practical demands of criminal proceedings.
Preparing for and participating in Judge Alone Trials (JATs), with opportunities to continue developing your trial experience.
Managing your workload, progressing matters and taking responsibility for the quality of your work.
You’ll have established procedures and practice manuals to support your work, alongside access to supervision and guidance from an experienced team.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for a lawyer who has real criminal practice experience and is ready to contribute.
You’ll need to have:
8–12 months of post-admission experience practicing criminal law as a lawyer. This must be time spent practicing, not a combination of clerking and a shorter period as a practicing lawyer.
Litigation experience, including actively appearing and speaking in court.
The ability to manage practical criminal defense matters, including client arrests, bail applications and court preparation.
Strong communication skills, sound judgement and the confidence to take ownership of your work.
A current restricted or full driver licence and the ability to travel to courts throughout Auckland.
A willingness to work from the Auckland CBD office each day and contribute to an in-person, collaborative team.
Experience completing Judge Alone Trials is highly desirable. Ideally, you’ll have completed a couple of JATs and be progressing towards PAL 1 approval. However, lawyers who have not yet completed the three-trial threshold will still be considered if they have the required criminal practice experience.
Lawyers with approximately 2–3 years of relevant experience will also be considered where their experience and overall profile are a strong match.
What’s in it for you?
A competitive starting salary
A salary of $70,000–$80,000, with the preferred starting range around $70,000–$75,000, depending on experience and capability.
Quarterly performance bonuses
You’ll be eligible for the firm’s bonus scheme from the outset, with quarterly bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 when the applicable performance thresholds are achieved.
Parking covered
The firm pays for parking at the CBD office and for court appearances — a practical benefit when your work takes you across Auckland.
Development that goes somewhere
Access to supervision, training and ongoing career development, with a genuine opportunity to progress as the practice grows and your capability develops.
A team that works together
An approachable, collaborative environment where asking questions is encouraged, experienced colleagues are accessible and support is part of the way the team operates.
Structure without unnecessary guesswork
Established procedures and detailed practice manuals help you work confidently and consistently, with clear guidance to support the demands of criminal practice.
Flexibility around annual leave
The firm aims to give people choice over when they use their leave. The only scheduled Christmas-period closure day is 31 December, and leave over the wider holiday period can be accommodated by agreement.
A few important details
This is a full-time, office-based position in Auckland CBD. The firm does not offer a hybrid or work-from-home arrangement, reflecting its commitment to an in-person, collegial working environment. Limited exceptions may apply where a court appearance is near your home, subject to the firm's process.
Your practice will be exclusively criminal law.
The preferred start date is as soon as possible, with an ideal start before Christmas.
Interested?
If you’re a criminal lawyer who is building solid court experience, wants to keep developing your advocacy skills and is looking for a team where you can grow, we’d like to hear from you.
Apply through CRE8 Talent for a confidential conversation.
Shortlisted candidates whose CVs are approved will be asked to prepare a 500-word reflection on the firm's Lawyers Handbook before interview.
CRE8 Talent | Recruitment with purpose. People who make a difference.