Senior Legal Officer

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 143,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) is seeking a Senior Legal Officer to provide expert native title advice and contribute to policy reform across NSW. You will work on complex native title litigation and advisory matters, briefing the NSW Attorney General and coordinating with government stakeholders to manage legal risks.

Join a growing team that supports Aboriginal communities and aims to deliver outcomes that balance statutory obligations with community needs, while

Qualifications

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in NSW.
• NSW Practising Certificate eligible or held.
• Experience providing legal advice on native title or government policy.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert native title legal advice on litigation and advisory matters.
• Brief NSW Attorney General and manage legal risks with stakeholders.
• Support negotiation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements and native title proceedings.

Skills

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Time management

Education

Solicitor/Barrister admission

Job description

Help shape NSW through impactful legal advice and reform

• Influence meaningful outcomes through complex legal and policy work
• 2x Permanent full-time opportunity,
• NSW Office location with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $142,695 to $152,731 + super
  

Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you will contribute to shaping lives and communities across NSW, while shaping your own career. You will enjoy flexible work options, varied and impactful projects, and a vibrant, diverse team culture built on collaboration, inclusion and support. We are creating a workplace where everyone belongs and where you can balance work, life and wellbeing.

The role

Join a team providing expert legal advice that helps deliver native title outcomes for communities across NSW. You will work across complex native title litigation, and advice matters that support informed decision-making and effective government services.

As the lead agency for native title in NSW, the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure’s Native Title Claims and Advice team is responsible for briefing the NSW Attorney General as the State Minister under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and State legislation, providing instructions on behalf of the Attorney General to the Crown Solicitor’s Office, and driving the strategic direction for native title claims in NSW, as well as representing the NSW Government in negotiations with native title claimants. You will also prepare legal advice to the Department on a wide range of native title legal issues and will partner with stakeholders across government to manage legal risks, solve challenging problems and contribute to policy reform. This role offers the opportunity to influence important native title related projects while helping deliver positive outcomes for the community.

In this role, you will support the team’s Director and Principal Legal Officers in the management of native title advice work, native title proceedings and negotiation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

This is a growing, passionate, and high performing team that works together to drive positive outcomes across the State in native title and seeks to embed Aboriginal cultural awareness and knowledge throughout the department.

For more information about this position, read the full Role Description: Senior Legal Officer

What you will bring to the role

• Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to provide clear legal advice and translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse complex legal issues and develop practical, evidence-based solutions.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with experience building productive partnerships and negotiating positive outcomes.
• High level time management and organisational skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities and deliver quality work within tight timeframes.
  

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

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.

(We are a high-performing organisation that proudly reflects the communities we serve. Our diversity strengthens our cultural capability and enables us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across NSW. As an inclusive and accessible workplace, we value your contribution, lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we want you to feel supported, connected and empowered to succeed. With flexible work arrangements, job share options, workplace adjustments and various employee affinity groups, we are here to help you thrive every day.

Applications close Sunday 20 Sep 2026 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Gemma McGreal ([e-mail])

A talent 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.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

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 [e-mail] or [phone] - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.