TOGETHER WE SHAPE THRIVING COMMUNITIES, PUBLIC SPACES, PLACES AND ECONOMIES.

• Provide expert legal services and advice across diverse client groups, advising on major projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and ensuring timely, robust outcomes aligned with government objectives.
• Ongoing permanent opportunity
• Office location – Parramatta (unless you are regionally based)
• Salary relative to experience and ranges from $146,822 to $170,981 + super
  We have an opportunity for a Principal Legal Officer to join the Crown Lands & Cemeteries Legal team on an ongoing basis.

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.

The successful applicant will have a strong background in regulatory schemes or government law. Experience across the following areas is favourable:

• Crown land law
• Aboriginal land rights
• Leasing and transaction work
• Property and commercia

The Principal Legal Officer will work across the team’s portfolio, with a primary focus on supporting Cemeteries & Crematoria NSW.

The successful applicant will have a strong background in regulatory schemes or government law. Experience across the following areas is favourable:

• Crown land law
• Aboriginal land rights
• Leasing and transaction work
• Property and commercial

In addition, you will:

• Provide strategic, client-focused legal services.
• Lead negotiations to achieve positive outcomes for clients and the Department.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate legal, commercial, reputational and practical risks by understanding risk profiles and integrating them into legal documentation.
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver clear, authoritative, and practical advice.
• Possess proven negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges with adaptability.
• Show exceptional time management and organisational skills, ensuring tasks are prioritized and deadlines are met efficiently.
• Exhibit resilience, maintaining productivity and focus during challenging situations.
• Drive results effectively, fostering collaboration and buy-in through stakeholder engagement.
• Work autonomously with initiative, confidence, and sound decision-making abilities.
• Encourage and support more junior staff to grow and develop, including supervising legal work, mentoring and role modelling a positive work culture
• Contribute actively to a highly supportive and collegial team culture, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment.