Principal Legal Officer

The Cabinet Office

Principal Legal Officer

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• Are you interested in working in a collaborative and dynamic team supporting senior executives with legal, legislative and policy advice? If so, this role is for you
• We are looking for legal practitioners to join the Office of General Counsel, The Cabinet Office.
• Ongoing and Temporary Clerk Grade 11/12 opportunities, based in Martin Place with flexible work arrangements supported.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Legal Officer to join our high performing and collaborative team in the Legal Branch, Office of General Counsel, The Cabinet Office.

Reporting to the Director, Legal, as a Principal Legal Officer, you will be responsible for providing 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 also undertake complex legal and policy analysis, including the formulation and evaluation of legislative proposals, on a diverse range of matters.

To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.

• You will have legal qualifications, and admission or eligibility for admission as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW.
• You're adaptable, resilient and agile.
• You will have experience in one or more of the following areas of law: privacy, environmental, commercial and/or public law (in particular, constitutional or administrative law).
• You will operate with a high level of authority with respect to exercising professional judgement on diverse legal, legislative and related policy issues.
• You will exercise sound judgement and effectively and ethically manage the influence of political issues in formulating strategic legal and policy solutions.
• You will have well developed organisation skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a high-pressure, high-volume environment with tight deadlines.
• You will have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to provide accurate, clear and comprehensive advice in short time frames.

We know the value of diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure if you meet all the requirements, we'd love to hear from you.

Leading policy, strategy and integrity from the heart of government

The Cabinet Office (TCO) enables robust Cabinet decision-making by ensuring policies and proposals submitted for consideration are of the highest quality and in line with government priorities.

We lead policy, strategy and Integrity at the heart of government.

Imagine your career at TCO and learn more about the Department.

We are proud of our flexible working culture, and we\'ve been a leader of embedding flexible working practices for many years. Everyone has different needs, and our versatile work culture allows you to craft a work routine to suit you, the business and the people we serve.

• 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 passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
• Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network

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)

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

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

Hiring Manager: Celia Barnett-Chu, Director, Legal Branch via email ceila.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 indicating in pre-screening questions, 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. Once added to the talent pool, you may be contacted about similar ongoing and temporary roles that may become available over the next 18 months.