Principal Legal Officer - Native Title

U&U Recruitment Partners; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

u&u Recruitment Partners is partnering with a major NSW government department to appoint a Principal Legal Officer specialising in native title claims and advice. This newly created senior role offers the chance to lead complex matters, shape legal strategy and mentor other lawyers in a collaborative, values-led environment.

Reporting to the Director, you will provide authoritative legal guidance across a portfolio of native title claims, negotiations and advisory matters, working with

Qualifications

• 6+ years post-admission experience and proven ability to lead and develop lawyers.
• Native title experience is highly desirable with broader Aboriginal land rights or government work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex native title claims and strategic advisory matters.
• Mentor and direct junior lawyers and build team capability.
• Provide high-quality legal advice on native title legislation and related public law.
• Collaborate with government stakeholders, counsel and Crown Solicitor.
• Shape legal strategy and identify risks across a large portfolio.

Skills

Native title experience

Job description

u&u Recruitment Partners is partnering with a major NSW government department to appoint a Principal Legal Officer specialising in native title claims and advice.

This is a newly created senior opportunity within a growing legal team that undertakes work of significant public and social importance. The role offers the chance to lead complex matters, shape legal strategy and support the development of other lawyers in a collaborative, values-led environment.

The opportunity:

Reporting to the Director, you will provide authoritative legal advice and leadership across a substantial portfolio of native title claims, non-claim applications, negotiations and related advisory matters. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams on issues involving government land, policy and decision-making.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex native title claims, negotiations, non-claim applications and strategic advisory matters;
• Manage an increase in Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA);
• Providing high-quality, practical advice on native title legislation, Aboriginal land rights and related public law issues;
• Developing legal strategy and identifying legal, operational and reputational risks;
• Leading, mentoring and providing direction to lawyers, while building capability across the team;
• Working collaboratively with government stakeholders, counsel, the Crown Solicitor and other specialist advisers;
• Contributing to consistent legal practice, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement; and
• Supporting a constructive, inclusive culture that recognises the social justice significance of the work.

The role does not currently carry formal direct reports currently, although the structure may evolve as the team continues to grow.

About you:

You will be an experienced lawyer with at least 6 years post-admission experience and demonstrated capability leading, developing and providing direction to other lawyers.

Native title experience is highly desirable. Candidates with strong Aboriginal land rights experience or closely related government expertise will also be considered, including experience in Crown land, planning, water, environment, energy, administrative law, property, local government, policy and legislation, regulatory work or litigation.

Location, flexibility and remuneration:

Candidates must reside in NSW and be able to attend an office in Sydney CBD, Parramatta or Newcastle.

At u&u Recruitment Partners, we value diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and people with disability.

Should you require reasonable adjustments or have a preferred method of communication throughout the recruitment process, please email ***********@uandu.com or contact the consultant above. We will work with you to implement appropriate adjustments.

For a barrier-free and inclusive online experience, you can access u&u opportunities using Recite Me at https://www.uandu.com/jobs.