At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

- An Exciting full time, ongoing leadership role based in Parramatta CBD
- Enjoy a 35-hour working week, flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements to support work-life balance.
- Grow your career with excellent opportunities for career progression and leadership growth.
- Competitive remuneration package of $148,380 - $162,153 plus super and leave loading

About the role The role sits in the Early Childhood Outcomes legal team within the Legal Services Directorate and supports the delivery of the Early Childhood Education and Care reform program, including comprehensive investments in the critical first 5 years of life for every child. The Senior Legal Officer supports the Early Childhood Education and Care reform program by delivering expert, practical, timely advice, litigation and drafting support on complex legal and policy matters across diverse areas impacting the delivery of these reforms. This includes providing advice and support across legislative reform and implementation, administrative and grants decision-making, commercial, property, contracts, employment, privacy, and general litigation. The role also supports management by coordinating resources and contributing to practice improvements and may involve staff oversight, coordinating workloads, monitoring performance, and providing guidance to foster a motivated, cohesive, and skilled team.

About you

You are an experienced solicitor who can:

- Manage complex and sensitive legal cases; and provide strategic, practical and high-quality independent legal advice on emerging legal issues.
- Advocate and provide legal advice to clients and Senior Management while ensuring compliance with legislation.
- Lead, mentor, and manage legal staff performance to promote professional growth and to ensure timely, high-quality legal work is delivered.
- Represent the department in litigation cases, negotiations, and various forums to achieve optimal resolutions of legal matters.
- Draft, review, and oversee complex legal documents and contribute to strategic planning to ensure efficient and effective legal service delivery.

For further information please view the role description.





Benefits

With nearly 160,000 people working across the state, the NSW Department of Education isn’t like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

- The opportunity to make a real difference, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines.
- A dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- A secured and permanent employment opportunity with a stable employer.
- The ability to contribute to positive social outcomes, supporting diverse communities and making a meaningful impact on education.
- Ability to take on short-term assignments or move across different areas within the department to broaden your skills and experience.
- Opportunities to contribute to shaping current policies and drive innovation in education.

Essential requirements, experience and knowledge

- Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate.
- Complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, litigation and advocacy.
- Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
- Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department’s values and priorities.





Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date: Sunday 04/10/2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Simone Nokes, Deputy General Counsel at [email protected] and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Alexis Katombe at [email protected].

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.

📌 Senior Legal Officer (Parramatta)
🏢 Department Of Education
📍 Parramatta