Senior Legal Officer

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


Permanent (Ongoing) full-time opportunity
Parramatta or Newcastle location with flexible working supported.
Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + 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

We’re looking for seasoned legal professionals to join our team at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.


We have roles available in our Public Spaces and Parklands, and Crown Lands and Cemeteries legal teams.


The Public Spaces and Parklands team plays a key role in supporting the creation and care of some of NSW’s most iconic public places—think Sydney’s harbourside, the Botanic Gardens, Greater Sydney Parklands, Sydney Olympic Park, and transformative projects across the Hunter and Central Coast. Your work will help shape and protect these spaces, strengthening their connection with the communities that enjoy them.


The Crown Lands and Cemeteries team plays a critical role in the delivery of outcomes under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, enabling the development of large-scale renewable energy projects, and providing strategic legal advice on the management of Crown land across New South Wales. You will help shape sustainable land use, foster respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities, and drive forward the State's clean energy projects.


As a Senior Legal Officer, you’ll provide expert advice across a broad range of legal areas, draft and review critical documents, and support legislative reform and negotiations. You’ll be working in a fast-paced environment, balancing competing priorities and navigating complex legal challenges. It’s a role that blends technical expertise with collaboration, innovation, and a genuine passion for public spaces.


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


What you will bring to the role

Experience delivering high-quality legal advice across complex property, commercial, and regulatory law matters.
Strong drafting skills, with the ability to prepare and review legal instruments, Cabinet submissions, and legislative documentation.
A collaborative mindset, working effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to support negotiations and policy development.
Sharp analytical and research skills to navigate diverse legal issues and provide practical, timely solutions.
A proactive approach to managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Commitment to sharing knowledge and building capability through training, briefings, and mentoring.
Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to translate legal concepts for varied audiences.
A passion for public service and contributing to outcomes that benefit communities and public spaces.

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
Experience in one or more of the following areas:

Administrative law or experience in the policy making and legislative process and good knowledge of statutory interpretation;
Property, native title or crown lands law;
Contract and commercial law;
Compliance and regulatory law, prosecutions and general litigation.

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 flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, 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 at 11:55PM on Monday, 18 August 2025

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sarah Berry on sarah.berry@dpie.nsw.gov.au


A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.


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 talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676 - 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