Defend free speech for a living

The Free Speech Union fights for the right of every New Zealander to speak, question and dissent. We back individuals against the institutions that would silence them, we take on government bodies, we file submissions, and we run cases that shape the law. We are looking for our next Senior In-house Counsel to lead that legal work.

The role

You will be the Union's lawyer. You will run our case work from first contact to resolution, draft submissions and legal letters, file OIA requests, brief and instruct external counsel on the big fights, and give our campaigns and media response their legal backbone. You will report to the CEO, work closely with Council, and work alongside our communications and campaigns people. This is the only legal role in the organisation, so you need to be a confident generalist who enjoys variety. You will also research and write reports such as our university rankings, handle the Union's own legal compliance, and support the CEO with donors who fund our legal work. Some travel is required.

This job is for you if you

·       are an admitted New Zealand barrister and solicitor with a current practising certificate

·       have interests in public law, judicial review and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act

·       have litigation experience and good judgement about which fights to pick

·       write clearly and fast, for courts, select committees and the public

·       stay calm and quick in a live media cycle

·       believe in free speech as a principle, for people you agree with and people you don't

Helpful, not essential

·       employment law, media law, the Harmful Digital Communications Act, broadcasting standards, the Human Rights Act and administrative law

·       experience appearing before select committees or tribunals

·       confidence as a media spokesperson

What we offer

Work that matters, a lot of variety, real independence and the chance to shape free speech law in New Zealand. Pay will reflect experience. You can be based in Auckland or Wellington, or work remotely, at 30 hours a week or full time. You'll have some say over how you structure your week, and we'll need you available when big stories break.

How to apply

Apply through SEEK with your CV and a short cover letter telling us why this work matters to you. Applications close 5pm Monday 2 November. We will review applications as they come in, so apply early.