Principal Legal Officer

Job Description

• Full-time, ongoing opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available
• Remuneration of $165,865 - $169,359 plus super and leave loading

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

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 Team
The Liability team is a dynamic team of lawyers guiding the department through complex civil litigation matters while working with a range of stakeholders. The team provides advice to schools and business units, negotiates with defendants and claimant solicitors, provides representation in tribunal matters, court hearings and mediations, and prepares a wide range of legal documents. The team enjoys a balance of in-house client advice and assistance and instructing external legal service providers.

Through the provision of strategic legal advice and services the Liability team supports the department deliver the Plan for NSW Public Education.

About The Role
The Principal Legal Officer Liability co-leads and manages the Liability team in providing advice and conducting strategic litigation services on behalf of the department whist upholding the highest ethical standards and model litigant principles.

The role is co-responsible for the supervision of staff, including the allocation of resources and workload, monitoring business and staff performance, and providing strategic direction to create efficiencies and enhance and motivate staff to maintain a cohesive and high performing team.

About You
You will have a passion for litigation, talent for managing people and a enthusiasm for public education. Your effective communication skills, sound judgment and commitment to client service will see you succeed in the role.

You Are An Experienced Leader And Solicitor Who

• can manage and develop people, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others
• works collaboratively with others, valuing their contribution
• communicates effectively and clearly, actively listening to others and responding with understanding and respect
• delivers results, through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes
• can develop practical solutions by analysing and considering the broader context
• can manage yourself, showing drive and motivation, with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning
• understands technology and uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness
• optimises business outcomes by managing people and resources effectively, to achieve public value.

For further information please view the role description.

Essential Requirements, Experience And Knowledge
Your professional credentials, experience and expertise should include:

• Current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate (or ability to apply for an unrestricted practising certificate)
• Proven ability in managing, motivating and developing staff so their potential is maximised
• Knowledge and experience in dealing with civil litigation and liability claims
• The ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks
• Commitment to ensure corporate processes and systems are implemented
• Complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, prosecution and advocacy
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
• 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.

Benefits
With nearly 145,000 people working all over NSW, the Department of Education isn't like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

• the opportunity to make a real difference, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
• flexible working conditions, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work–life balance
• a dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion
• opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests

Interested?
If you are interested in joining the team, we want to hear from you

Please attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

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'.

Closing date:
2nd September 2025 at 11:59pm
Contact:
For role enquiries please contact Simone Bush, A/Deputy General Counsel at

This is a child-related role.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number and complete a National Criminal Record Check. Visit the website for more information.

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.