Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW – Parramatta NSW

Shape our world. Influence the decisions that shape NSW.

- Temporary (Up to 30 Jun 2031) full-time chance,
- NSW Office location with flexible working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $155,764 to $181,393 + super

In this role you will

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.

Our in‑house legal team is currently seeking a senior level lawyer (minimum 7 years PQE) with expertise in the acquisition of land by public authorities who is eager to apply and enhance their expertise and experience whilst working on some of the most complex and engaging matters in NSW.

You will also have strong property law experience dealing with developers in order to provide strategic legal advice and support for the NSW Government’s Housing Enablement Program (formerly the Pre Sales Finance Guarantee Program).

As a Principal Legal Officer, you will provide strategic, client focused legal advice and services in relation to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 to acquiring authorities within the Department, and work on matters involving hardship applications, acquisitions by agreement and compulsory process, and disputes with landowners in relation to the acquisition of land.

As an experienced qualified,



you will also support the Director to drive the vision and direction of the team by motivating, mentoring and supervising junior members to deliver on initiatives and goals whilst striving to create an inclusive, responsive and effective environment. You will be joining a high performing, collaborative team offering diversity of work and a great team culture.

Read the role description for more detail:

Principal Legal Officer

We can offer you:

- flexible working arrangements – both in hours and location;
- training and support in honing your management skills;
- up to 18 flex days each year in addition to the 20 annual leave days;
- access to a Fitness Passport (https://www.fitnesspassport.com.au/);
- complex, rewarding and engaging work;
- collegial environment which supports work life balance.

About You

To be successful in the role you will:

- Have a strong litigation, property or planning law background and be very experienced with advising on the Land Acquisition (Just Terms) Compensation Act.
- Provide strategic and client focused legal services for compulsory acquisitions.
- Have a strong property law or property development law background to help lead the Housing Enablement Programs (i.e Pre‑Sales Finance Guarantee Program and other housing initiatives).




- Experience in loan documentation/banking and finance law will be viewed favourably but is not required.
- Lead Departmental negotiations with other agencies, developers, landowners and their legal representatives to achieve positive client and Department outcomes.
- Mitigate legal, commercial and practical risks by understanding risk profiles, risk appetite and implementing this into legal documentation.
- You will also have demonstrated expertise and experience in providing comprehensive legal advice and support. You will have excellent written and verbal communication, and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail and stakeholder management skills to confidently engage with and build strategic relationships with key stakeholders.

What you will bring to the role

Prior expertise and experience in advisory and transactional work in relation to property law or property development law and the acquisition of land by public authorities.

In addition, you will:

- Have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative, and practical advice.
- Have proven negotiation skills and abilities to navigate complex challenges and adapt to evolving situations.
- Display solid time management and organisational skills to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
- Have resilience to persevere through obstacles and maintain productivity during challenging times.
- Be capable of driving outcomes while effectively involving stakeholders throughout the process, fostering collaboration and buy‑in.
- Be autonomous and proficient in working indepe

📌 Principal Legal Officer (Parramatta)
🏢 Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure NSW
📍 Parramatta