Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Work across a diverse, high‑impact legal portfolio that directly shapes outcomes for NSW.
• 2 x Permanent (ongoing) full-time opportunities available.
• Office location based in Newcastle or Parramatta with flexible working supported.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + super.

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

The Senior Legal Officer provides clear, practical legal support to help the Department make sound decisions and deliver its work effectively. The role involves preparing and reviewing legal documents, contributing to legislative reform, supporting negotiations, and offering timely, well‑reasoned advice on complex issues that influence policy, operations and compliance.

A key part of the job is balancing competing priorities, navigating sensitive and complex matters, and staying across a wide range of legal disciplines to give accurate, up‑to‑date guidance. The role also contributes to building capability across the Department by sharing knowledge, developing training, and helping design innovative legal and policy solutions that support better outcomes for the organisation and the community.

As the lead agency for native title in NSW, the Native Title Claims and Advice team is responsible for briefing the NSW Attorney General, as the State Minister under the Native Title Act, providing instructions on behalf of the Attorney General to the Crown Solicitor’s Office and driving the strategic direction for native title claims in NSW as well as representing the NSW Government in negotiations with native title claimants. You will prepare legal advice to the Department on a wide range of native title legal issues. In this role, you will support the Director, Native Title Claims and Advice, and Principal Legal Officers in the management of native title advice work, native title proceedings and negotiation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

This is a small, passionate, and high performing team that works together to drive positive outcomes across the State in native title and seeks to embed Aboriginal cultural awareness and knowledge throughout the department.

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Legal Officer

What you will bring to the role

• A strong ability to deliver clear, practical and solutions‑focused legal advice.
• Confident management of competing priorities, with a calm, organised and proactive approach to high‑volume and time‑sensitive work.
• Well‑developed communication skills that translate complex legal concepts into plain English and support effective decision‑making across the Department.
• A collaborative mindset, contributing to a positive team culture by sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and engaging constructively with internal and external stakeholders.
• A commitment to continuous learning, staying across legislative changes and bringing fresh, innovative thinking to legal, policy and operational challenges.
• Experience in administrative law, statutory interpretation, aboriginal land rights and/or native title law will be highly regarded.

What is an essential requirement:

• 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

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.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Please include a copy of your Practising Certificate (or eligibility) and Admission (or qualification for admission) into the Supreme Court of NSW into the Qualifications section of your application.

Applications close 11:55PM on Tuesday 24 February 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Renee Wallace on renee.wallace@dpie.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here. If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.