Principal Legal Officer

Join to apply for the Principal Legal Officer role at Premier's Department NSW

Premier's Department NSW provided pay range. This range is provided by Premier's Department NSW. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

A$149,739.00/yr - A$173,174.00/yr

The Cabinet Office
Principal Legal Officer
You. At the centre of big ideas.

Overview

We are seeking a Principal Legal Officer to join our high performing and collaborative team in the Legal Branch, Office of General Counsel, The Cabinet Office. You will report to the Director, Legal, and provide timely expert advice to support senior executives within The Cabinet Office and Premier's Department, the Premier and Ministers on a broad range of legal, legislative and policy issues. You will undertake complex legal and policy analysis, including the formulation and evaluation of legislative proposals, across a diverse range of matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely expert legal, legislative and policy advice to senior executives, the Premier and Ministers.
• Undertake complex legal and policy analysis, including formulation and evaluation of legislative proposals.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel, The Cabinet Office, and other stakeholders to support decision‑making.

How to Apply

Click 'Apply Online' and submit your application including:

• A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• A cover letter addressing how you meet the essential requirements and focus capabilities of the role (maximum 2 pages)

About the Department

The Cabinet Office (TCO) enables robust Cabinet decision‑making by ensuring policies and proposals submitted for consideration are of the highest quality and aligned with government priorities. We lead policy, strategy and integrity at the heart of government. Our flexible working culture supports a work routine that suits you, the business, and the people we serve.

Employee Benefits

• Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
• Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert‑led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
• Work‑Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked based on a 35‑hour standard week
• Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness initiatives, and wellbeing programs
• Inclusive Culture: Staff networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

Role Requirements / Ideal Candidate

• You will have legal qualifications and admission or eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW.
• Adaptable, resilient and agile.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: privacy, environmental, commercial and/or public law (in particular constitutional or administrative law).
• Ability to exercise professional judgement on diverse legal, legislative and policy issues with a high level of authority.
• Strong judgement and ability to manage political considerations in formulating legal and policy solutions.
• Well developed organisational skills and the ability to work in a high‑pressure, high‑volume environment with tight deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to provide accurate, clear advice in short time frames.

Additional Details

Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,174) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.

Closing date: Friday 26th September 2025 (9:59am)

Hiring Manager: Celia Barnett-Chu, Director, Legal Branch via email celia.barnett-chu@tco.nsw.gov.au

Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by contacting the Talent Team at PCT@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au, or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. You may be contacted about similar ongoing and temporary roles that may become available over the next 18 months.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal
• Industry: Law Practice

Note: This listing includes general information about the role and does not guarantee employment. Referrals may increase your chances of interview opportunities.

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