Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

- Opportunity to work across a uniquely diverse range of high-impact government legal matters while stepping into a leadership role.
- Temporary (Up to 30 April 2027) full-time opportunity.
- Parramatta, Newcastle, Nowra or Wollongbar locations with flexible working supported | Other NSW locations by negotiation.
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151,227 to $176,111 + super.

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

As a Principal Legal Officer in the Government Law Team, you’ll work with a legal team who provide expert advice:

- to the Office of Local Government including advice on amalgamations, boundary alterations, councillor misconduct, and use and management of community land
- to all business areas of the Department on:
- government sector employment and government sector finance law, including funding arrangements
- work, health and safety law
- laws relating to information management, such as privacy law
- administrative law

- to the statutory functions of the Valuer-General.

Your role will encompass:

- Providing specialist, timely and client focused legal advice on complex areas of law and policy to support strategic decision-making and appropriately manage legal risk.
- Advising on high-value and complex projects to drive timely and regulatory robust outcomes in line with NSW Government objectives and timeframes.
- Engaging with a range of stakeholders to build strong relationships and deliver client focused legal services.
- Supervising and mentoring legal staff to ensure quality service delivery and expand the team’s legal capability.
- Keeping abreast of contemporary legal advancements,



particularly in relevant areas of legal expertise.
- Undertaking research and analysis, providing options, making recommendations on complex matters and developing solutions to achieve positive client and DPHI outcomes.

For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer

What you will bring to the role

- Highly motivated and experienced legal professional with demonstrated expertise in advising on any of the above areas of law.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with a commitment to the use of 'plain' English, attention to detail and accuracy.
- Leadership experience, including managing workloads and mentoring junior staff.
- Proven ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide advice that is clear, concise and outcomes focussed.
- The ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- A proactive, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach to legal problem-solving.
- Extensive inhouse or private practice commercial legal experience will be considered favourably.
- Maintains meticulous attention to detail amidst high-volume workloads, ensuring accuracy and precision in all tasks and deliverables.

What is an essential requirement:

- Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing,



world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices versatile working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If you’re an experienced Principal Legal Officer or a Senior Legal Officer ready for a new challenge, we’d love to hear from you. We look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 11:55PM on Friday 12 June 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Esther Phang on [email protected]

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 6363 7676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via [email protected] or (02) 6363 7676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

📌 Principal Legal Officer (Australia)
🏢 Nsw Government
📍 Australia