Principal Lawyer

Premier's Department

Principal Lawyer

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• NSW Premier's Department is looking for a senior lawyer to lead high-profile legal work supporting the Public Service Commissioner
• Provide expert legal advice in complex and sensitive legal, legislative and policy matters, with strong leadership and advisory skills
• Full-time, Ongoing Clerk Grade 11-12 role based in Martin Place, Sydney CBD, with flexible work arrangements supported.

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Principal Lawyer to join the Legal Services team within the Office of the Public Service Commissioner (OPSC), Premier's Department.

You will be responsible for providing timely, expert independent legal advice to the Public Service Commissioner and the OPSC on a broad range of complex legal, legislative, and policy matters.

In this role, you will work on issues critical to shaping NSW public sector leadership, governance and integrity. You will advise the Commissioner on key programs of work, draft and review legal instruments, manage sensitive employment and integrity matters, and contribute to legislative proposals. You will supervise and mentor a small legal team, foster strong internal and external relationships, and help shape whole-of-government initiatives.

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

We're Looking For

• Legal Expertise: You will have experience in one or more of the following areas of law: administrative, employment, commercial, contract, intellectual property, and privacy law
• Legislative & Policy Knowledge: You will have experience in drafting, reviewing, and progressing legislative instruments, and providing legal advice on complex policy matters
• Strategic Advice & Risk Management: You will have the ability to analyse complex legal issues, identify emerging risks, and provide practical, actionable solutions for senior decision-making
• Leadership & People Management: You will have experience supervising, mentoring, and developing legal staff, fostering a high-performance culture in a small, high-demand team
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: You will have strong skills in building working relationships with senior stakeholders, including government agencies and external legal service providers, and communicating complex legal matters clearly
• Qualifications & Registration: You will have a Law degree or Legal Practitioners Admission Board Diploma, admission (or eligibility for admission) as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW, and current NSW Practising Certificate permitting supervision of other solicitors.

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

Why Join Us?

• 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

How to Apply

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: Sunday, 23 November :59 AM)

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

Hiring Manager: Sarah Sandstad, Director, Legal Services on

About the Premier's Department

Connecting to Deliver from the Heart of Government

The Premier's Department leads the state's 430,000 public servants, driving collaboration and the delivery of whole-of-government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at Premier's Department.

Our Commitment

We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.

The Premier's Department acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.

Additional Information

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 , or reaching out to the hiring manager.

Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.