SENIOR SOLICITOR – CHILD PROTECTION

• Be part of a dynamic public sector team and work with legal experts of the profession
• Flexible start & finish working hours + annual leave 20 days + additional flex leave (up to 18 days per year)
• Temporary or ongoing role based in the Sydney CBD with flexible work arrangements available
  Salary Classification: Legal Officer Grade V
  Salary: $154,403 - $157,430 p.a. plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annualised leave loading.)
  Work type: Full-Time – 35 hours per week, Temporary role up to 12 months ( this is subject to each role) – Presence in the office is required 3-4 times per week. * Our primary place of work is the CSO Office located at 60-70 Elizabeth Street, Sydney. Please note we will be relocating to a new premises located at Parkline Place, 252 Pitt Street, Sydney in July 2026. .

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office is seeking an experienced Senior Solicitor in our Child Protection Practice Group.

The Child Protection Practice Group specialises in child protection law in the NSW and Commonwealth jurisdiction. The practice group provides expert advice and representation to NSW Government departments and agencies in relation to child protection issues such as:

• Complex and sensitive matters in the Children’s Court, District Court and Supreme Court of NSW pursuant to the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection Act 1998;
• Proceedings pursuant to the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth);
• Adoptions (contested and non-contested for government and non-government agencies);
• Parrens patriae matters before the Supreme Court of NSW such as urgent medical applications and secure care orders;
• Administrative review application in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal; and
• Court of Appeal proceedings relating to appeal and judicial review applications.”

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Admission or eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW.
• Well-developed legal skills and experience which enable provision of advice and representation in complex legal matters in areas of law in which the Child Protection Practice Group specialises;
• Experience mentoring or supervising on matters in which the practice group specialises practices;
• Undertake Criminal Record Check and Working with Children Check.
• Travel for regional or interstate court and other commitments subject to the application of any discrimination legislation (including in respect of carer’s responsibilities).

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role of Senior Solicitor Grade V is responsible for providing written and oral advice and representation in highly complex legal matters and supervises the conduct of more junior solicitors to ensure the provision of high quality, cost effective and client focused legal services.
As a Senior Solicitor in our Child Protection Practice Group, you will provide professional and cost-effective legal services, contributing to the CSO’s business goals. Your role will involve delivering high-quality legal advice, representation and supervision, and ensuring compliance with panel requirements and CSO practice management standards. Additionally, you will contribute to the CSO’s business development efforts and continuously enhance your legal knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities.

We have generous leave provisions available for our employees that acknowledge individual preferences and responsibilities including:

• Up to 20 days recreation leave and up to 18 days flex leave per annum
• Up to 15 days sick leave and 2.5 days emergency/carers leave per annum
• 20 days purchased leave annually
• Inclusive paid parental leave provisions of up to 16 weeks (14 weeks + 2 bonus weeks) which can be taken flexibly within the first 24 months to support the birth, adoption, altruistic surrogacy or permanent out-of-home care placement of a child
• Study time up to 4 hours per week
• Extended Leave of up to 2 months after 10 years or up to 6 weeks after 7 years’ servic