Principal Legal Officer

Department of Industry; Newcastle; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Department of Industry as a Principal Legal Officer in Newcastle, enhancing NSW's legal framework through expert legal services across commercial and property law. Perfect for motivated legal professionals dedicated to fostering a collaborative workplace and achieving impactful outcomes within a diverse and inclusive environment.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements

Access to support programs

Diverse and fulfilling assignments

Qualifications

• Experienced legal professional with expertise in commercial law and complex legal matters.
• Proven ability to engage with stakeholders and provide clear, concise legal advice.
• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-focused legal advice on complex laws and policies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts and legal documents.
• Supervise and mentor junior legal staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Analytical Skills

Advisory Skills

Education

Accepted Solicitor or Barrister in NSW

Job description

Together we shape thriving communities public spaces places and economies.

• Parramatta Newcastle Orange and other NSW location by negotiation
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $146822 to $170981 super

Whats in it for me

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine longterm 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.

As a Principal Legal Officer youll work with a legal team who are dedicated to providing expert advice and innovative legal services on a range of complex areas and commercial transactions relevant to DPHI which may include commercial agreements leases and other propertyrelated agreements government procurement intellectual property construction grants and technology solutions including cyber security and emerging technologies like AI. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced lawyer to join a dedicated team and undertake exciting legal work to achieve positive outcomes for the NSW Government and the people of New South Wales.

Your role will encompass :

• Providing specialist timely and client focused legal advice on complex areas of law and policy to Ministers the Secretary senior executives and staff of DPHI to support strategic decisionmaking and appropriately manage legal risk.
• Advising on highvalue and complex projects to drive timely and regulatory robust outcomes in line with NSW Government objectives and timeframes.
• Drafting reviewing and negotiating a broad range of contracts and other legal documents.
• 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 teams legal capability.
• Keeping abreast of contemporary legal advancements particularly in relevant areas of legal expertise and emerging areas of innovation and technology.
• Undertaking research and analysis providing options making recommendations on complex matters and developing solutions to achieve positive client and DPHI outcomes.

Key challenges include :

• Providing high quality legal services often without supervision to effectively manage legal risks in relation to high volume complex and sensitive legal matters consistent with legislation policy considerations and contemporary good practice.
• Providing solutions focused advice within tight timeframes and managing competing stakeholder priorities and interests while meeting DPHIs statutory and legal obligations.

You will be joining a highly collaborative and supportive team with strong stakeholder relationships. We are viewed as trusted advisors in their decision making. Our work is interesting and varied often incorporating elements of commercial law property law technology law intellectual property law construction law administrative law and statutory interpretation. No two days will be the same!

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 leading the drafting and negotiation of one or more of the following :

commercial contracts including ICT IP construction and other procurements;

• leases licence contracts for sale and other propertyrelated agreements; and / or
• grant arrangements and funding agreements.
• 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 build strong relationships and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• A proactive collaborative and solutionsfocused approach to legal problemsolving.
• Extensive inhouse or private practice commercial legal experience.

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 highperforming worldclass 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.

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 Wednesday 9 April 2025 11 : 55PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Aimee Allan on

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 orHR Support option 2 DPHI People Advisory option 1 and reference Request an Adjustment Job Title and Reference Number.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guideto assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathwaysteam for a yarn

Required Experience :

Staff IC

Key Skills

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 146822 - 170981

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