Principal Solicitor

Overview

Principal Solicitor – Advisings and Community Protection, Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).

Location: Parramatta (flexible working arrangements may be negotiated).

Employment type: Ongoing and temporary (up to 12 months) – Full time (35 hours).

Salary: Legal Officer – Grade 6, Base Salary $165,865 – $169,359, plus employer’s superannuation contributions and annual leave loading.

Role purpose: You will be a Principal Solicitor in the Advisings and Community Protection team, providing legal advice and support to the Attorney General (First Law Officer) and other Ministers/Executives in DCJ. The team handles matters including high-risk offenders, inmates, parolees, acts of mercy and related legal matters, compulsory orders, and constitutional/royal prerogative matters, supporting the safety and protection of the community and public confidence in the justice system.

What you’ll do

- As part of the Advisings and Community Protection team, conduct highly complex and routine legal matters (advice, transaction and/or litigation) and supervise a team of staff to ensure high quality, cost-effective, client-focused legal services aligned with the Department’s goals.
- Assist management in supervising and mentoring staff, coordinating resource allocation and workloads, monitoring performance, and guiding staff development to maintain a cohesive team.
- Provide professional guidance and mentoring to develop a skilled, motivated legal team.
- Coordinate resource allocation and workloads to ensure timely, high-quality service delivery.
- Monitor and review complex legal matters and emerging issues to advise on potential impacts.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers and government agencies.
- Lead projects involving legal reform initiatives, law reviews, and strategic planning.
- Maintain strong client relationships and contribute to continuous improvement of legal practices.
- Work as part of a dedicated legal team within a dynamic government legal environment, committed to professional excellence and community protection.

What we’re looking for

- Extensive experience in criminal and public law, with demonstrated skills in complex litigation and legal advice.
- Proven leadership ability in supervising and mentoring legal staff in a high-volume, high-stakes environment.
- Eligibility for a Government legal practitioner practising certificate with NSW Law Society, including Working with Children Check clearance.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities under tight deadlines.
- Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may require additional checks/clearances:
- National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014.
- Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

How to apply

Download the role description. Applications may be submitted via the DCJ Careers site.

If you are viewing this ad on Seek, you may apply through Seek or via the DCJ Careers site. Search for the job and click the Apply now button.

What We Offer

- A challenging and rewarding career
- Flexible, autonomous work environment
- Competitive pay and conditions
- Training and development opportunities to build capabilities
- Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs

Inclusion and Diversity

DCJ is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. See DCJ’s Inclusion and Diversity information on the DCJ website for more details.

Other Information

A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for up to 18 months. For more information, visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.

Contact and Questions

For questions about the role or working for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager or the listed DCJ representatives on the job posting.

Applications close: 12 October 2025 at 11:59pm AEST.

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