Senior Legal Officer at New South Wales Government

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

13 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

14 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Legal advice, Statutory interpretation, Legal analysis, Drafting, Written communication, Verbal communication, Research, Organisational skills, Attention to detail, Electoral law

Industry

Law Enforcement

Description

Join us in safeguarding democracy in NSW! Are you a dynamic lawyer looking for challenging, high-profile work in a supportive and collegiate environment? Sydney CBD office location with hybrid working arrangements About the Role As a Senior Legal Officer at the NSW Electoral Commission, you’ll be delivering legal advice to our internal stakeholders on matters related to elections and electoral law. The role will also see you undertaking detailed research and analysis, preparing briefings and other formal correspondence along with providing expert support in relation to the 2027 State General Election. This is a temporary full-time role, up to 30 June 2027, graded as Clerk 9/10. Key knowledge, experience and essential requirements As the successful candidate, you will have: Relevant tertiary qualifications Admission as a lawyer and hold, or be eligible to hold, a Law Society of NSW Practising Certificate Experience in statutory interpretation, legal analysis and drafting Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to provide clear, accurate and practical legal advice, tailored to a range of audiences Well developed organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities, high workloads and tight deadlines, whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You must be politically neutral with no affiliation to political parties or lobbyists/third party campaigners (see other information section at the bottom of this page). A satisfactory criminal record check result. About the NSW Electoral Commission The New South Wales Electoral Commission delivers trusted and independent systems, processes, oversight and engagement that support democracy in New South Wales. Our vision is to maintain confidence in the integrity of the democratic process and make it easy for people to understand and participate. Our work includes: Running and regulating elections Communicating and engaging with current and future voters, key NSW community stakeholders and NSW election participants; and Investigating possible offences and enforcing electoral and lobbying laws such as the Electoral Act 2017 and the Electoral Funding Act 2018. What we offer Opportunity to work on large scale events and assist your local community Career development opportunities Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support Work/Life balance (35 hour working week), flex leave, generous holidays and leave conditions Access to Fitness Passport for eligible staff How to apply As part of your application, you will be asked to respond to two targeted questions: Describe a time where you had to handle a high volume work in a limited amount of time. What did you do and what was the outcome? (maximum 500 words) Describe a time where you had to advise on an unfamiliar area of law. How did you ensure that your advice was fit for purpose? (maximum 500 words) You should include a covering letter summarising your skills, knowledge and work experience, along with an up-to-date resume which clearly detail your skills and experience as relevant to this role. For further information regarding the role please view the Role Description Applications close: Tuesday 28 April 2026 – 11:59pm Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service For more information on how to apply for a role in the NSW Public Service, please refer here. The NSW Electoral Commission embraces diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the population of New South Wales. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, mature-age people, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this role. If you have any questions about applying or would benefit from an adjustment to the recruitment process to help you perform your best, please contact talent@elections.nsw.gov.au. For further information on recruitment adjustments visit I Work for NSW Adjustments for individual needs. Applications received and completed after closing time will not be considered for selection. The selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Other Information Your employment will be subject to National Criminal Records Check to determine your suitability for employment. The NSW Electoral Commission is committed to maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the electoral system. The Commission requires all its employees to refrain from membership of any political party and from engaging in political activity which could be seen as reflecting adversely on the strict political neutrality of the Commission. To maintain political neutrality, applicants for roles with the Commission who are, who have been or who may be perceived to be or have been connected with political activities may also be ineligible for appointment and should disclose such information as part of their application. This does not include voting in a Commonwealth, State or Local Government election, which is compulsory in NSW. The Commission’s Political Neutrality Policy may be viewed on its website. A talent pool may be created from this recruitment action for ongoing and temporary roles of the same work classification that may become available for filling over the next 18 months. Applications close: Tuesday 28 April 2026 – 11:59pm

Responsibilities

The Senior Legal Officer will provide expert legal advice on electoral law and support the delivery of the 2027 State General Election. Responsibilities include conducting detailed research, preparing formal briefings, and ensuring compliance with electoral legislation.