Principal Legal Officer

**_Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW_**
- Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State._
- **Ongoing full-time role, 35 hrs/week**:

- **Office based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD, flexible within other established NSW work locations**:

- **Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 + superannuation and annual leave loading**

We at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) are looking for experienced energy lawyers to join a high performing team focused on shaping the energy transition in NSW.

**About the team**

The Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure legal team supports the delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap - the NSW Government’s plan to transform our electricity system into one that is affordable, clean and reliable for everyone.

The team is responsible for managing legislative reform, providing commercial and regulatory legal advice on the NSW and national legislative framework for the energy sector, negotiating the delivery of major projects, supporting negotiations with the Commonwealth and other States and providing expert advice on the governance and risk arrangements.

**About the role**

This is an opportunity for driven lawyers to lead priority law reform for the State at a critical and highly exciting time in NSW’s transition to renewable energy and deliver a lasting impact for the people of 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.
- 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**

Applicants must be:

- Admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction.
- Have experience practising in energy law in a government, in-house or private sector organisation.
- Hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising 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) works 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**
- a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 3 pages)
- a cover letter outlining your energy law experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role experience (maximum 3 pages)

**Applications close on Sunday, 26 Oct 2025** at 11:55 PM**
- A recruitment pool will 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?**
- Our commitment to a diver