Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Exciting and unique senior litigation role undertaking complex, quality matters
- Permanent full-time opportunity, 35 hrs/week
- Genuine work/life balance supported with the flexibility to work in a hybrid role
- Parramatta, Sydney CBD, Newcastle and regional offices - other established NSW work locations may be considered
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $146,822 to $ 170,981 + super + leave loading
Join a highly collegiate in-house litigation and investigations team of enthusiastic, collaborative, passionate and results-driven lawyers and provide expert litigation and advisory services to assist in resolving disputes spanning many areas of law.
About the role
In the role of Principal Legal Officer (Litigation), you will be instrumental in providing superior client-focused representation in all aspects of litigation across the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
You will also be responsible for:
- Conducting and managing a diverse range of complex and high-profile administrative law challenges, prosecutions, and other criminal and civil litigation matters with a particular focus on environment, water, climate change, heritage, energy law.
- Drafting advice, court documents, and Ministerial and Departmental Briefing Notes on litigation and law enforcement issues.
- Team management and leadership, including supervising and mentoring junior lawyers, driving a positive team culture and team improvement.
- Developing and providing training and briefing sessions to share and transfer specialist litigation related knowledge, expertise and skills within the Litigation and Investigations Team and to Governance and Legal Branch colleagues and clients.
- Developing and maintaining enduring relationships within the Litigation and Investigations Team and with Governance and Legal Branch colleagues, clients, and key stakeholders.
- Manage and advise on responses to statutory and parliamentary orders to produce documents, including Standing Order 52s.
About You
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced and strategic litigation lawyer, ideally with 5 years PQE or equivalent experience. You will have a drive and passion for dispute resolution and prosecution work and be able to identify and manage legal and other risks. Undertaking a wide range of tasks often with tight or competing timeframes, the role requires excellent organisational skills, enthusiasm, and a commitment to providing high-quality and client-focused services. Your communication and interpersonal skills are highly developed, and your strong client and stakeholder management skills provide you the confidence and ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with a variety of clients, stakeholders and team members.
Joining this dedicated and highly regarded team, you will bring your self-motivated and ‘can-do' attitude along with a team player mentality, and a supportive and collaborative working style.
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 Practicing Certificate.
Key knowledge and experience
Criminal or administrative law experience desirable.
Experience in one or more of the following areas at an expert level is required:
- Environmental law
- Prosecutions
- Administrative law
- Compliance and enforcement
- General Litigation
For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer - Litigation
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 Sunday, 13 July 2025 at 11:55 PM
Should you require further information about the role please contact Jessica Mackay, Director Litigation via Jessica.Mackay@dcceew.nsw.gov.au
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@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 498 (please mention reference number 543394).
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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Role Description
