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

• An opportunity to shape major outcomes for NSW through high‑impact, strategic legal leadership
• Permanent (Ongoing) full-time opportunity
• Parramatta or Newcastle location with flexible working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151,227 to $176,111 + 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

As a Principal Legal Officer in the Public Spaces and Parklands legal team, you’ll work with a legal team supporting business units on property and commercial transactions and advisory matters.

We’re looking for an experienced senior lawyer to provide leadership within the Public Spaces and Parklands legal team. In this role, you’ll shape the legal frameworks that underpin some of NSW’s most significant initiatives, helping the department meet its legislative obligations and drive major reform across the state.

As a Principal Legal Officer, you’ll lead complex matters end‑to‑end, provide high‑level statutory interpretation and strategic legal advice, and draft or review critical instruments, agreements, legislative proposals and briefing materials. You will work autonomously in a fast‑paced environment, balancing multiple priorities while managing nuanced stakeholder relationships across government. This is a role that combines technical excellence with influence, collaboration and problem‑solving, and a genuine passion for public spaces.

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

What you will bring to the role

• Proven ability to provide high‑level, solutions‑focused legal advice to Ministers, senior executives and project teams, operating with autonomy while meeting tight deadlines and managing competing priorities.
• Strong drafting and analytical capability, with experience preparing, reviewing and finalising complex documents including contracts, agreements and briefs.
• Highly developed communication, negotiation and stakeholder‑management skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively across government, lead discussions, resolve differing viewpoints and support major reform projects.
• Leadership capability including mentoring legal staff, sharing specialist knowledge, shaping team systems, and contributing to improved legal processes, governance frameworks and high‑quality service delivery.

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 Monday 16 February 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Sarah Berry on sarah.berry@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.