Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Opportunity for an experienced Energy Lawyer
- Both ongoing and temporary full-time opportunities available, 35 hrs per week (part-time considered)
- Based in Parramatta (flexible working supported; other office location considered subject to availability)
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 + superannuation and annual leave loading
Our newly created Energy Law team is pleased to invite applications for a Principal Legal Officer to join us and work at the heart of the NSW energy transition. This is an exciting moment to join the Department’s expanding energy practice as NSW undergoes one of the most significant energy transformations in its history.
About the team
The newly formed Energy Team sits at the forefront of providing legal advice on the State’s clean energy transition. NSW is rapidly shifting towards a low‑emissions energy system, and our legal team plays a critical role in advising on the legal frameworks that will shape our future energy systems.
The team’s remit spans some of the most dynamic and high‑profile areas of government: the delivery of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, energy emergencies, gas and pipeline regulation, consumer energy protections, and emerging climate and decarbonisation initiatives.
The pace and complexity of the energy transition mean the legal issues we face are evolving, novel and strategically significant.
About the role
As a Principal Legal Officer, you will have the opportunity to have carriage of your own matters, build client relationships across our client teams, and manage the delivery of legal services across several of DCCEEW’s strategic priorities.
The Energy Team places a strong emphasis on capability development and continuous learning. The team benefits from structured internal training, knowledge sharing from external providers, and access to a specialised learning academy designed to build deep expertise in the energy transition. Joining the team now provides the opportunity not only to contribute to important legal outcomes, but also to enhance your own professional development in a supportive, high‑performing environment.
This is a rare chance to join a rapidly expanding team, contribute to team culture, and help shape legal outcomes that will have lasting impact across NSW.
About you
To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced energy law professional, with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients.
You will demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail, and well-developed advice writing, research and analytical skills.
Undertaking and working independently on a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Principal Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to lead, manage and support junior lawyers. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative, practical and solution focussed advice. You will have confidence and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with clients and team members.
We welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one of the following areas of law:
- Energy – Commercial (including the delivery of major projects or energy law reform); or
- Energy – Regulatory (including providing advice on the National Electricity Laws and National Electricity Rules).
Experience in the following areas will also be viewed favourably:
- Administrative law;
- Statutory interpretation; and
- Legislative reform.
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, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate.
For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work 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, including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and single page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
Applications close Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role, please contact Blake Osmond, A/Special Counsel via blake.osmond@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 02 8275 1103.
A recruitment 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.
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 on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 548679).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
