Principal Legal Officer

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

• Ongoing full-time opportunities
• Parramatta, Newcastle, Orange and other NSW location 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.

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, as a Principal Legal Officer, your doors can open to broaden your expertise across the Department, working on diverse and high-impact matters that shape NSW communities. We focus on professional growth – whether it’s deepening your specialist knowledge, stepping into leadership pathways, or expanding into new areas of law, this is your chance to grow your career.

The role

We are looking to recruit Principal Legal Officers, including in the:

• Planning and Development Law Team, and
• Government Law Team.

As a Principal Legal Officer in the Planning and Development Law Team, you’ll work with a legal team who are dedicated to providing expert advice, including supporting increased housing supply and affordability, renewable energy development and robust infrastructure planning, including advice:

• to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces on major projects and development
• to all business areas of the Department, including planning panels, on:
  • strategic planning and development law, including development contributions and development assessment;
  • environmental law, including biodiversity conservation and offsetting and biodiversity certification; and
  • general administrative law

As a Principal Legal Officer in the Government Law Team, you’ll work with a legal team who are dedicated to providing 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:
  • work, health and safety law and industrial relations law
  • government sector employment and finance law, including funding arrangements
  • privacy, public interest disclosures, information access, standing order 52’s
  • administrative law
  
  
• to the Valuer-General on statutory functions they exercise.

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.

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 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 13 October 2025

Should you require further information about the role please contact Pip Stenekes at pip.stenekes@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