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- Talent Pool Opportunity for Native Title Lawyers
- Seeking lawyers with experience in Native Title, Aboriginal Land Rights or a related area
- Temporary and Ongoing roles, 35 hours per week (Part time-negotiable)
- Based in Parramatta with flexible working (other NSW locations are negotiable)
- Salary ranging from $134,504 to $143,964 (depending on experience) + superannuation + leave loading
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply
About the practice
The Native Title Practice in the Commercial and Property Legal team in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water works with clients including the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and Heritage NSW to achieve Aboriginal outcomes, establish joint management arrangements with Aboriginal Traditional Owners and ensure compliance with the Native Title Act.
All members of our practice have prior experience working for Aboriginal organisations and we strive to work in a respectful and culturally appropriate way. There are many significant projects in the pipeline, and it is an exciting time to join our practice!
About the role
As a Senior Legal Officer, you would:
- work collaboratively with clients on native title-related projects,
- provide legal support for negotiations of Indigenous Land Use Agreements,
- provide legal advice on native title and related areas, and
- help the Department deliver on Aboriginal outcomes.
You will support the Principal Legal Officers, Directors and General Counsel to drive the vision and direction of the legal teams and client agencies, assist in mentoring and supervising junior team members, and strive to create an inclusive, responsive and effective environment.
Our team works collaboratively in a variety of areas including commercial, property, environmental, administrative and water law with.
About You
To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional with expertise in native title or a related area, and a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients. You will have strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions.
You will have demonstrated cultural competency and/or experience working with Aboriginal communities, ensuring respectful and effective engagement.
Undertaking a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Senior Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to assist with the coordination of junior staff. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative and practical legal advice and legal drafting. You will also have confidence and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and team members.
This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated lawyers, eager to progress their legal careers, to join the dedicated and highly regarded teams together with significant opportunity to be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.
Essential Requirements
- 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.
- A minimum of 3 years post-admission experience.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Native title,
- Aboriginal land rights,
- Management of national parks, and
- Administrative law or experience in the policy making and legislative process and good knowledge of statutory interpretation.
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Legal Officer
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the State’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.
DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:
- a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (max 5 pages)
- a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (max 2 pages)
Applications close on Tuesday, 24 June 2025 at 11:55 PM
Should you require further information about the role please contact Dylan Orsborn, Principal Legal Officer, Native Title via email to dylan.orsborn@dpie.nsw.gov.au or on 02 8229 2806.
A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via nivya.shetty@dpie.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 498 (please mention reference number 543411).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
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