Senior Solicitor

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Job Description

The City of Parramatta is experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation, as we position ourselves as a Global City. This phase presents a rare opportunity to influence the future of our City, shaping it to be culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable. Join us in making a lasting impact on our community and be part of our success story.

We are looking for an exceptional Senior Solicitor to join our Legal team. In this key role, you will represent Council in litigation matters, including in the NSW Land and Environment Court, and provide high-level, strategic legal advice and support to the CEO and Council, navigating complex legal challenges across a range of disciplines, including planning and regulatory matters. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring legal compliance, advising on significant planning, development and regulatory matters, and mentoring a dynamic team of legal professionals.

You will have the opportunity to work on high-profile litigation and legal matters, and your expertise will contribute directly to shaping the City's future. Your input will be valued in a collaborative environment where your insights will help drive positive change and innovation within the legal framework of local government.

• Appear for Council in the NSW Land and Environment Court, particularly in Class 1 and Class 4 proceedings, assisted by a dedicated Legal Support Officer.
• Provide expert legal advice and guidance on planning, development, local government and regulatory matters.
• Lead and manage complex litigation, dispute resolution, negotiations, and settlement processes with contractors and third parties to mitigate legal risks and protect Council's interests.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of legal documents, including court documents (e.g., Statement of Facts and Contentions) and s34 agreements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within Council, including with the City Planning and Design and Regulatory Services teams.
• Advise on government law, privacy legislation, public access issues, and ensure legal services meet relevant compliance and statutory obligations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external legal service providers, ensuring cost-effective and efficient legal support.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering their professional growth and enhancing team performance.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on diverse legal and policy matters, ensuring alignment with Council's strategic goals.
• Support safeguarding policy oversight, ensuring compliance with mandatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure the highest levels of probity and transparency across all legal operations, while adhering to best practice standards and current legislation.

To thrive in this role, you will bring:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent postgraduate qualification, with a current NSW Practising Certificate.
• A minimum of 6+ years post-qualification experience (PQE) in a senior legal role, with a solid background in local government and planning law, ideally within the local government sector.
• Proven expertise in acting in legal proceedings in the NSW Land and Environment Court and providing strategic legal advice, with a track record of managing complex legal matters in high-pressure, politically sensitive environments.
• Strong knowledge of legislative frameworks, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and Regulations, environmental planning instruments, the Local Government Act 1993, privacy laws, the Government Information (Public Access) Act, and compliance regulations relevant to local government.
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and conceptual thinking abilities, with a proven ability to resolve complex legal issues effectively.
• Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and lead in a professional environment.
• A commitment to mentorship and team development, helping cultivate a culture of continuous learning and high performance.

We are offering an attractive remuneration from $153,911 to $170,614 plus 12% superannuation.

In addition, City of Parramatta offers excellent employee benefits including:

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid work-from-home options
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location with public transport at our door and discounted parking
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave, 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, flu shots, etc.)

Candidates must apply online by submitting a resume and cover letter outlining their interest in the position. Applications close 5 September 2025 at 5:00 PM and will not be accepted through any other medium.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing. Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lie at the heart of how we recruit and we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, ADF veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are dedicated to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Legal

Industries: Government Administration

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