GLN SUMMER CLERK PROGRAMME 2021_2022
Government Legal Network
Contents
GLN SUMMER CLERK PROGRAMME GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS ...... 2 STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME ...... 2 DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMME ...... 2 RECRUITMENT PROCESS ...... 3 COULD YOU BE A GLN SUMMER CLERK? ...... 3 WHAT WE LOOK FOR ...... 3 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ...... 5 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ...... 8 OVERVIEW OF PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS ...... 11
1 | Guidelines for applicants
GLN SUMMER CLERK PROGRAMME GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
The GLN Summer Clerk programme is an exciting opportunity for students to experience the diverse range of legal work across government.
The programme will begin on 15 November 2021 and conclude on 11 February 2022.
STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME
The programme is open to applicants who are:
completing a LLB at a New Zealand university legally entitled to work in New Zealand studying LLB papers at 300 level or above.
Clerks appointed will be employed on a fixed-term basis at a government department for three months.
Remuneration will be at a minimum the living wage, but may vary between agencies.
In addition to on the job experience at a government department, the GLN Programmes and Capability Team will provide a wider learning and development programme that will provide clerks with regular opportunities to:
gather and share knowledge and experiences meet with senior lawyers and members of the Judiciary attend GLN networking events interact with other interns across the public sector receive guided tours of the Courts, Parliament and various libraries.
There will also be social activities that will promote camaraderie across the group.
DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAMME
Some examples of departments that have provided clerkships are:
Parliamentary Counsel Office | Te Tari Tohutohu Paremata Te Puni Kōkiri Commerce Commission |Te Komihana Tauhokohoko WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa Crown Law Office | Te Tari Ture o te Karauna Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | | Hīkina Whakatutuki New Zealand Police | Ngā Pirihimana Aotearoa Accident Compensation Corporation | Te Kaporeihana Āwhina Hunga Whara New Zealand Real Estate Authority | Te Mana Papawhenua Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Roopu Ture o Te Ao Independent Police Conduct Authority | Mana Whananga Pirihimana Motuhake Environmental Protection Authority | Te Mana Rauhī Taiao 2 | Guidelines for applicants
The Treasury | Te Tai Ōhanga Ministry for the Environment | Manatū Mō Te Taiao Serious Fraud Office | Te Tari Hara Taware
While most placements are in Wellington there is the opportunity for placements at departments in other locations across New Zealand. Further departments may be added in the coming weeks.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Applications will be assessed according to the following indicative process and timeline:
PROCESS NUMBER OF CANDIDATES TIMELINE
Recruitment period 1 March – 28 March 2021
Applications screened All applications 8 March – 9 April 2021
Development of shortlist Approximately 40 candidates 12 April – 16 April 2021
Interviews held Approximately 30 candidates 19 April - 30 April 2021
Reference checks and Panel 3 April – 7 May 2021 decisions
Successful candidates selected, Approximately 23 candidates 14 May 2021 offers of employment made
COULD YOU BE A GLN SUMMER CLERK?
We are looking for enthusiastic students who demonstrate a well-rounded world view, a genuine commitment to public service and an appetite for challenge. If you have great interpersonal and communication skills, an understanding and interest in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Te Ao Māori, cultural awareness, and an interest in public service the GLN Summer Clerk Programme is for you.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
ENTHUSIASM FOR PUBLIC SERVICE
The Summer Clerk Programme will attract candidates who have a desire and enthusiasm to contribute to society. We do not expect you to already have experience in the public sector. Many people share this aspiration so be sure to specify why you think your particular mix of skills and interests makes you a stand-out candidate.
Tell us why you have a desire to work in the public sector and how you have shown this desire to date. Examples of this might include volunteering for a university organisation or submitting on upcoming legislation. This will help us to understand why the prospect of working in government is interesting to you. 3 | Guidelines for applicants
COMMUNICATION ABILITY
Both written and verbal communication is key in all legal roles. You may be expected to provide research on various case law, analyse and interpret the meaning of legislation and explain legal options to your clients. While you will be supervised, good communication skills are necessary for success in this role.
Your communication ability will be assessed through your written responses to questions in your application. We are looking for clear and concise answers that plainly describe your suitability for the role. Your verbal communication skills will be assessed if you are invited to attend an interview.
AWARENESS OF DIVERSITY
Awareness of diversity can be demonstrated through experiences and knowledge you have which show an awareness of your own world view and the world views of those around you. If you have experience of understanding another world view or being a part of a community we welcome you to show that through your application.
TREATY OF WAITANGI/ TE TIRITI O WAITANGI AND TE REO AND TIKANGA INTEREST
Having an understanding and interest in the Te Tirit o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi and te ao Māori are important in the public service. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate this knowledge or interest through their application. You should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the Treaty Principles and why they are important in the public sector.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Getting on well with others is a necessary part of your summer clerkship. You will be expected to collaborate with other solicitors and clients to get work done. Your applications should demonstrate collegiality and exhibit empathy, perhaps through work you have done in the past. For example, perhaps you have worked as wait staff which has required you to get along well with other staff and customers.
ACADEMIC RECORD
Applicant’s academic transcript will be taken into account as a demonstrating factor in their interest in the areas of law relevant to the public sector. We do not require a particular grade point average but expect reasonable grades. It would also be beneficial to show that the papers you have taken prepare you for the type of work you would be engaged in at a government agency.
If you have a disability that affects the submission of your application through the online process, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or contact the GLN Programmes and Capability Team Manager on 027 838 5945. Wherever possible, we will endeavour to accommodate the needs of any candidates affected by a disability.
4 | Guidelines for applicants
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The following information outlines eligibility criteria that candidates are required to meet, in order to be considered for the GLN Summer Clerk Programme. Please consider these carefully when making your application.
Criterion Detail Process
Eligibility to work in New Zealand Candidates must be legally entitled to work in New Zealand for the Candidates are responsible for ensuring their duration of the two-year programme (e.g. NZ Citizen, Permanent eligibility to work. Resident, working visa of more than two years’ duration from the start of the programme). The GLN Programmes and Capability Team may check an applicant’s eligibility to work in New Zealand and any offers of employment made will be contingent on satisfying this criterion.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of The applicant must demonstrate an understanding of the principles The GLN Programmes and Capability Team Waitangi of the Treaty of Waitangi and a commitment to upholding them. will review the application and the response to the particular question related to this criterion. We expect applicants to have a sound understanding of the Treaty principles and why they are important when working in a The applicant may also be assessed against government agency. this criterion during the interview stage.
300 level study A candidate is eligible to apply if they are studying University papers Applicants will be required to provide a at 300-level or higher in their LLB. certified copy of their academic transcript to the GLN Programmes and Capability Team if they are shortlisting for an interview.
5 | Guidelines for applicants
LLB study at a New Zealand Candidates are expected to be studying their LLB degree at a New Applicants will be required to provide a university Zealand university, and the degree will be completed at a New certified copy of their academic transcript to Zealand university. the GLN Programmes and Capability Team if they are shortlisted for an interview.
Academic record Applicants will be expected to provide an academic transcript when Applicants are required to provide a copy of they submit their application for the GLN Summer Clerk Programme. their academic transcript when they submit their application for the GLN Summer Clerk Applicants are welcome to provide any additional information to the Programme. GLN Programmes and Capability Team which relates to unsatisfactory grades. Applicants are required to provide a certified copy of their academic transcript to the GLN Programmes and Capability Team if they are shortlisted for an interview.
Answers to questions Applicants will be required to complete answers to set questions as The GLN Programmes and Capability Team part of the application process. These questions are designed to will assess written responses against the enable the GLN Programmes and Capability Team to assess the programme criteria. applicant against the programme criteria. The applicant may also be assessed against this criterion during the interview stage.
Curriculum vitae Applicants are required to provide a copy of their curriculum vitae The GLN Programmes and Capability Team with their application for the GLN Summer Clerk Programme. This is will assess the curriculum vitae against the an opportunity for the applicant to provide detail about any work programme criteria. experience and volunteer/community work they have completed. The applicant may also be assessed against this criterion during the interview stage.
6 | Guidelines for applicants
Criminal Conviction Check The applicant is required to inform us about any previous criminal Any position within the programme offered will convictions. be subject to criminal vetting. If the GLN Programmes and Capability Team become aware of convictions that were not disclosed by the applicant they may no longer be eligible for the programme.
Security checks Some departments may require additional security checks as a For any clerks appointed to specialised result of the type of work the clerk will be engaged in at that agency roles/departments, additional security checks and the access they will have to sensitive information. If placed at may be required. such an agency the clerk will be required to complete additional forms.
Conflict of interest If clerks consider that they may have a real or perceived conflict of At the time of appointment, clerks will be interest which may affect their ability to work within a particular asked to declare any conflicts of interest agency, clerks should declare this as part of their application. A which may affect their ability, or may be conflict of interest may not mean that the applicant is ineligible for perceived to affect their ability, to carry out the programme as long as the GLN Programmes and Capability their duties in an impartial and ethical manner. Team consider that the conflict is able to be managed. Declaring There is a standard procedure for managing any conflict early enables the GLN Programmes and Capability conflicts of interest and they do not normally Team to more effectively manage such a conflict where this is inhibit appointments at the clerk level. possible.
References Applicants are required to provide the names of two people in their The applicant should provide the name and curriculum vitae that the GLN Programmes and Capability Team can contact details for two references in their contact to provide references. These people may be former curriculum vitae. employers, people they have engaged with through community or volunteer work, tutors/lecturers or character references. The people The GLN Programmes and Capability Team provided should have adequate knowledge about the applicant to will contact references if the applicant is the provide confirmation about their character and abilities to satisfy the preferred candidate for the clerkship. GLN Programmes and Capability Team that the applicant is able to carry out the responsibilities at a government agency.
7 | Guidelines for applicants
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
1. When are applications open for the GLN Summer Clerk Programme? 1 March to 28 March 2021.
2. When will interviews for the programme take place? 19 April - 30 April 2021. Interviews will take place in our Wellington office. You are not required to attend the interview in person – we have video conferencing available, so a number of our interviews take place remotely.
3. What if I cannot attend an interview in Wellington? Interviews will take place in our Wellington office. You are not required to attend the interview in person – video conferencing is available.
4. How will I know if I have been selected as a summer clerk? You will be sent an offer form on 14 May 2021, or an email letting you know you have not been selected.
5. How will I know which agency I have been placed at? The offer letter sent on 14 May 2021 will be from the department you are placed with.
6. Can I select a government agency to be placed at? No, we choose the placements based on what suits your ability and interests, and what departments are available. You are welcome to indicate a preference, but it’s best to keep your options open.
7. When will the summer clerk be required to work at the government agency? 15 November 2021 to 11 February 2022. These will be full times hours which are Monday to Friday usually between 9am and 5pm (subject to confirmation by the agency).
8. Which department will be the employer during the programme? GLN Summer Clerks will be employed by one government agency for the duration of the clerkship. This will be the agency that the clerk is placed in and completes their work at.
9. Where are positions based? Most positions will be in Wellington and we hope to have some positions based in Auckland. If you would prefer to be based in Auckland, let us know in your application. It may be possible that in future there will be placements available in locations outside of Wellington and Auckland.
10. Is the salary level negotiable? No. All positions will be remunerated at a minimum of the living wage, but may vary slightly between agencies. We do not offer relocation costs or clothing allowances.
ELIGIBILITY
11. What are the eligibility criteria for the GLN Summer Clerk Programme? Applicants must be studying 300 level papers or higher at a New Zealand University as part of their LLB. They must also be eligible to work in New Zealand.
8 | Guidelines for applicants
12. I have a minor criminal conviction/a discharge without conviction. Can I still apply? Yes. However, you will be required to disclose your conviction or discharge without conviction and explain the circumstances surrounding it. We would expect to see that you have learned from the experience and that it has informed your present and ongoing attitude.
13. I have a potential conflict of interest with one of the departments listed. Can I still apply? Yes. If you think there is a conflict of interest (actual or perceived) which may affect your ability to work at a particular government agency we require you to disclose this. It may be possible for the GLN Programmes and Capability Team to manage a conflict of interest. The important thing is transparency – being aware of the conflict will help us to manage the recruitment process appropriately and assign you to the most suitable departments if you are a successful candidate.
SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION
14. Do I apply with one or all departments in mind? We recommend your application demonstrates balance. If there are one or two departments closely aligned with your qualifications, skills and interests, articulate this. Equally, be aware that a number of candidates are likely to position themselves for particular departments. All departments in the programme have fascinating work programmes and can offer you an excellent learning environment. Highlight your interests but be open to all opportunities.
15. Is there a word-limit on applications? No but concise answers written in plain English will be preferred. We recommend a CV that is no longer than 2 pages and answers to the set questions that are no longer than half a page for each question.
16. Is there a preferred CV format? Yes. Please submit applications in PDF files.
17. I can’t submit my documents online – what do I do? Firstly, try uploading your files in PDF format. This format is common to most systems and provides a safe way of ensuring your documents arrive with original formatting intact.
If you are still having difficulty, contact the GLN Programmes and Capability Team at [email protected] or phone the GLN Programmes and Capability Manager on 027 838 5945.
18. Is there any advantage in submitting my application early? We strongly recommend submitting your application early. Traditionally we have received about 80% of applications on the final day. Submitting your application early enables the GLN Programmes and Capability Team to have adequate time to review your application.
19. Who can I contact with questions? If you have questions about the recruitment process which are not answered in this document, please contact the GLN Programmes and Capability Team at [email protected] or contact the GLN Programmes and Capability Manager on 027 838 5945. Please ensure you have read these guidelines carefully before contacting us.
9 | Guidelines for applicants
PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS
20. How long is the recruitment process expected to take? When can I expect an update on the progress of my application? Please see the recruitment process section of this document. We will do our best to assess applications as expediently as possible. Candidates will be updated on the status of their application during the process.
21. Will applications be treated confidentially? Absolutely. All applications will be securely held within the GLN Programmes and Capability Team.
22. Will you let me know when you intend to contact my referees? Any discussions with verbal referees will occur with the prior agreement of the relevant applicants.
23. How will the in-person interview be structured? The interview will include both behaviour and competency-based questions so that we can get a good idea of candidates’ skills, working style and enthusiasm. Interviews will take approximately 45 minutes.
APPOINTMENT TO THE PROGRAMME
24. If I receive a job offer, how long will I have to consider it? Generally, we will give applicants 10 working days to consider employment offers. This gives sufficient time for candidates to seek advice from a trusted person and to ask us any questions related to the offer.
25. How are successful candidates matched to departments? A number of considerations will be taken into account, including: candidates’ skills and interests as corresponding to departments’ needs. providing a balanced learning environment – complementing existing skills and prompting new ones. the availability of places at the particular agencies participating in the programme.
26. If I get a summer clerkship and I do not live in Wellington/Auckland, will GLN help me to find accommodation? You will be responsible for finding your own accommodation for the summer. If you are selected for the programme, we can give you some tips on where to look.
27. If I am appointed to the programme, does that mean any application I subsequently submit for the GLN Graduate Programme will be favoured? No. All applications for all our programmes are assessed on their individual merit, in a competitive environment, against the relevant criteria.
10 | Guidelines for applicants
OVERVIEW OF PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS
The following summary provides an introduction to the work undertaken by some departments that are participating in the GLN Summer Clerk Programme. Every department has a unique challenging and interesting portfolio.
Parliamentary Counsel Office | Te Tari Tohutohu Paremata
The work of the Parliamentary Counsel Office (PCO) is at the heart of New Zealand’s democratic system. The PCO contributes to parliamentary democracy under the rule of law by providing specialist advice to support Parliament and the Executive in their law-making roles and contributing to the Government’s objectives by ensuring that:
legislation is effective, clear and consistent with other legislation, the general law and international law legislation, including Bills and Supplementary Order Papers, is accessible to the public in both printed and electronic forms, and printed copies of Bills and SOPs are provided to the House Acts and Legislative Instruments are published with official, authoritative status.
Every day, individual New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses interact with legislation and regulatory instruments. That law needs to be fit for purpose, easy to find and understand and constitutionally sound. A clerkship at the PCO provides a superb opportunity to enhance your understanding of the legislative process and machinery of government while contributing to outcomes meaningful to all New Zealanders.
The working environment is collegial and supportive and you will be encouraged to get involved in the team. You will see experienced Counsel providing legal advice, guiding departments and agencies during the instructions process and working closely with them throughout the various stages of drafting. You may even get to turn your hand to drafting yourself. If you have a love of the law and language, you won’t find a better way to spend your summer. www.pco.parliament.govt.nz
Te Puni Kōkiri
Te Puni Kōkiri (the Ministry of Māori Development), works within government and Māori communities to achieve our vision of “Thriving Whānau”. We have a very broad role of working directly with whānau, hapū and iwi and government agencies on issues that are important to Māori. To undertake our role we:
Lead policy and legislative changes, as well as innovative approaches that will deliver improved outcomes for Māori. Two examples are our leading work to revitalise te reo Māori and supporting Māori land owners to use their whenua for their wellbeing. Influence the work of others by working in partnership and bringing Māori voices to decision- makers. An example is working alongside other public sector agencies to reduce the number of tamariki Māori in poverty and State care. Invest with Māori to pursue opportunities, including through funding and partnerships. An example is the work we do supporting whānau to establish papakāinga, to build homes to strengthening community connections.
11 | Guidelines for applicants
The broad nature of our work and wide ranging responsibilities means that a summer clerk will gain an excellent experience of the public service, increase their knowledge of legislation, policy and funding programs in the Māori Affairs portfolio, and gain an understanding of Māori issues, Te Ao Māori and the Treaty of Waitangi in a public sector context.
We have regional offices across Aotearoa, and our national office is based in Wellington.
Commerce Commission |Te Komihana Tauhokohoko
An independent Crown Entity, the Commerce Commission is New Zealand’s primary competition regulatory agency. Our purpose is to achieve the best possible outcomes in competitive and regulated markets for the long-term benefit of New Zealanders.
The Commission enforces legislation that promotes competition in New Zealand markets and prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct by traders. We also enforce a number of pieces of legislation that, through regulation, aim to provide the benefits of competition in markets where effective competition does not exist. This includes in the telecommunications, dairy, electricity, gas pipeline and airport sectors.
Our values are Excellence, Integrity, Accountability, Respect and Good Judgement. We apply these values in all our work but they are particularly important to our legal portfolio. We have a talented and collaborative team of lawyers, and we welcome the opportunity to host two GLN Summer Clerks who share our values and want to work on an interesting variety of commercial, regulatory and broader matters. www.comcom.govt.nz
WorkSafe New Zealand | Mahi Haumaru Aotearoa
The Legal Group is responsible for providing effective legal services and advice to WorkSafe, including to the Chief Executive and the Board.
Our lawyers play a central role in WorkSafe’s regulatory compliance monitoring work, and in investigating and enforcing workplace health and safety law. This ranges from the provision of legal advice, supporting WorkSafe’s input into proposed legislation through to the conduct of prosecutions and other litigation.
The successful applicant will assist with the operation of the Legal Group, providing support to lawyers and the Agency in the delivery of cost effective, efficient and high quality legal services. This assistance will include the conduct of legal research, drafting of materials, review of documents and files and assisting in the preparation of disclosure/trial documentation. As a part of the role, there will also be opportunities to observe some litigation.
The successful applicant will have:
an interest in Health and Safety and/or the workings of a medium-sized Crown entity;
12 | Guidelines for applicants
lots of initiative and self-starting drive; strong communication skills, both written and verbal; and good attention to detail. http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe
Crown Law Office | Te Tari Ture o te Karauna
For 140 years, the Crown Law Office has been the trusted provider of legal advice to the Crown, addressing the most complex legal matters confronting government. We provide specialist legal advice to the Executive and we support the Principal Law Officers (Attorney-General and Solicitor- General) in the exercise of their constitutional duties. We uphold the Rule of Law in a spirit of public service.
Our organisation is structured into three practice groups: Criminal Group, Crown Legal Risk Group and the Attorney-General’s Group. Each group provides specialist advice and advocacy and we have teams that are experts in Revenue law, Constitutional law and Human Rights, Treaty law, Public law and Criminal law.
We deliver a full spectrum of legal services including providing opinions to departments and litigating on behalf of the Crown. Our Counsel regularly represent the Crown in the higher courts, including the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
We are likely to offer a clerkship within the Attorney-General’s Group. If you are interested in access to excellent mentoring and challenging work within a purposeful environment, you will enjoy a clerkship at the Crown Law Office. www.crownlaw.govt.nz
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment | Hīkina Whakatutuki
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is the government’s lead business- facing agency whose purpose is to Grow New Zealand for All.
MBIE do this by helping businesses to become more productive and internationally competitive, and by increasing opportunities for all New Zealanders to contribute to the economy. Achieving this purpose will mean New Zealanders have access to higher incomes, greater job opportunities and good-quality, affordable housing.
In order to deliver on our purpose, we undertake a broad and complex work programme focused on sustainable growth. As part of the Corporate Services Governance and Information Group the Legal Branch is responsible for providing a centre of legal advice, leadership, and expertise for the Ministry. Our talented legal team provides advice and support to many divisions within MBIE and also to our Ministers. Our varied portfolio includes commercial law, market regulation, international law, intellectual property, ICT, scientific research arrangements, procurement, property, immigration and human rights law, environmental law, resource management, employment law, health and safety and dispute resolution.
13 | Guidelines for applicants
MBIE has a well-established reputation for providing interns and graduates with stimulating, rewarding work. At MBIE, we look for people who are passionate about New Zealand and enthusiastic about making a positive change to our economy, our people and our safety. We look forward to receiving applications from graduates keen to explore diverse areas of law within our skilled and welcoming team. www.mbie.govt.nz
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Roopu Ture o Te Ao
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advances the Government’s international priorities. We advise the Government on the implications resulting from changes taking place in the world, and act to promote and protect New Zealand’s interests. We seek to deliver value to New Zealand and New Zealanders, through:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advances the Government’s international priorities. It is our task to advise the Government on the implications resulting from changes taking place in the world, and then to act to promote and protect New Zealand’s interests. We seek to deliver value to New Zealand and New Zealanders, through:
Kaitiakitanga: generations of New Zealanders benefit from sustainable solutions to global and regional challenges. Security: New Zealanders are able to live, do business, travel and communicate more safely at home and offshore. Prosperity: New Zealanders have better job opportunities and incomes from trade, investment and other international connections. Influence: New Zealanders have confidence their country can influence others on issues that matter to them, now and in the future.
We are guided by our values in our interactions with each other and with our colleagues outside the Ministry: impact; kotahitanga; courage; manaakitanga. Our values also reflect to our global partners and to New Zealanders the qualities of the country we represent: a tolerant, diverse, inclusive and welcoming society.
Our international legal team is responsible for advising on New Zealand’s obligations under international law. We are expert and collegial, with knowledge spanning international trade and economic law, international treaty-making, human rights, the law of the sea, international environmental law and the law of armed conflict. We work closely with our corporate legal team who advise on a variety of in-house functions including contract, procurement and employment law. We are offering two positions in our international legal team this year. www.mfat.govt.nz
14 | Guidelines for applicants
Independent Police Conduct Authority | Mana Whananga Pirihimana Motuhake
The Independent Police Conduct Authority is the official New Zealand Police oversight body. We are a small, focused organisation, chaired by a Judge, and completely independent of the Police.
Based in Wellington, we exist to support public expectations - as expressed by Parliament - for the justice system to be trusted and effective. Our core function is to receive, manage and resolve complaints about the Police conduct. By law we are also notified of and may investigate incidents where Police appear to have caused the death of, or serious injury to, any person. We also monitor places of Police detention to ensure human rights standards are being met.
Our legal officers are actively involved in roles across the organisation, particularly those involving assessing and managing cases towards resolution. Our work is varied, challenging and complex. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted but, for the right person, working for the Authority can be a richly- rewarding learning experience. www.ipca.govt.nz
Environmental Protection Authority | Te Mana Rauhī Taiao
The Environmental Protection Authority is part of the environmental law system in New Zealand. We are an operational agency, with responsibility for regulating a wide array of activities that affect the environment and the Zealand way of life.
Our in-house legal team works alongside scientists and technical experts to help with decisions ranging from whether and on what conditions hazardous substances and new organisms can be introduced into New Zealand to whether offshore oil and gas activities should be allowed out in the exclusive economic zone. We also run the Emissions Trading Scheme, which enables New Zealand to meet its international climate change obligations.
As a Summer Clerk at the EPA you will be part of a high-performing legal team of ten lawyers and one administrator within our Strategic and Regulatory Services Group. Your team mates come from diverse backgrounds and the collective knowledge of the team presents a great opportunity to gain an understanding of in-house legal practice. We have a collegial culture and a strong emphasis on mentoring and collaboration within the team, working across the entire organisation, providing advice and support on governance, policy, and operational issues. www.epa.govt.nz
Serious Fraud Office | Te Tari Hara Taware
The Serious Fraud Office investigates and prosecutes serious or complex financial crime including bribery and corruption so that New Zealand is a safe place to invest and do business. The Serious Fraud Office is a small, Auckland-based agency of about 50 employees - most of whom perform front- line activities. Primary roles are investigating lawyers, forensic accountants and financial investigators. The agency is also developing its expertise in data analysis and intelligence expertise.
We provide an all-of-government response to financial crime by collaborating with other law enforcement and regulatory agencies that have responsibilities in this area. We also maintain strategic partnerships with relevant private sector interests such as accounting firms, law firms, and with our international counterparts. We share our expertise and knowledge to help businesses and individuals protect themselves and reduce the risk and harm caused by serious financial crime. The
15 | Guidelines for applicants
work of the SFO legal team includes reviewing evidence, conducting witness and suspect interviews, preparing recommendations and prosecuting serious criminal matters through to trial. A Summer Clerk with the SFO can expect to assist with all of these tasks. www.sfo.govt.nz
16 | Guidelines for applicants