Senior Legal Officer

• Temporary - part time employment opportunity until end of May 2026
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available
• Remuneration of $144,058 - $157,430 plus super & leave loading (pro rata)

About the Department of Education 

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia, with nearly 145,000 employees across NSW in our schools and corporate offices. Our purpose is centred on the delivery of high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information, please visit NSW Department of Education.

About the Legal Services Directorate 

The Legal Services Directorate supports schools and corporate offices to navigate the law to put students at the centre of decision-making. Our high-performing Directorate works collaboratively across the department to deliver critical legal advice and representation. We are a trusted and credible partner, delivering excellent service and promoting community confidence in public education. Our legal support builds organisational capabilities so that every student, every teacher, every leader and every school can improve, every year

About the role

The Senior Legal Officer provides timely high-level legal advice, briefings, correspondence and advice on complex areas of employment law, and policy issues to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective legal services.  The main areas of practice include litigation and providing advice in employment, injured worker and work health and safety matters. The team is joined with the Attendance Team that manages all school enforcement proceedings in the Children's Court and Local Court for both government and non-government schools. Experience in employment and/or WHS law is preferred. Experience in other areas of law will also be highly desirable.

The role assists management in the professional supervision of staff and legal services, including coordinating the allocation of resources and workloads, monitoring business and staff performance, providing instruction and direction to enhance and motivate staff to create a cohesive and skilled team. Key accountabilities for the role include:

• managing complex, contentious or sensitive cases, reviews, research, and other legal and administrative activities
• providing advice on new and emerging issues in the relevant area of the law and their longer-term implications
• supervising, mentoring and developing staff, and managing staff performance
• drafting and reviewing complex legal documents
• contributing to the design and development of practice group strategy, plans and programs
• supporting the collection and analysis of legal data to deliver reporting that informs and improves the department's operations

For further information please view the role description.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements, including - hybrid/work from home arrangements.
• 35 hour working week (pro rata)
• Competitive salary, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
• Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
• Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth

Essential requirements of the role 

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate (or eligibility for one).
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

Key knowledge and experience 

• Knowledge and experience in the relevant area/s of law impacting on the NSW Department of Education, with the ability to provide targeted and high-quality advice and casework services.
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

How to apply 

Please attach your resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you would be a great fit for this role including areas of relevant experience.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application. If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'. 

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa. 

Closing date: Friday 28 November 2025 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Julian Baker at and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Alexis Katombe at

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.