Principal Solicitor

Principal Solicitor

• An exciting opportunity to join the Office of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (OILGA) and make a real difference

• This ongoing role is based in Sydney, but if you are located elsewhere in NSW and otherwise have the right skills you are welcome to apply

• Our team works in a hybrid fashion with support for flexible working practices

• This is a Clerk Grade 11/12 role with salary range of $149,739 - $173,174 plus superannuation and annual leave loading

About Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority

The Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA, the Authority) is a statutory decision-maker responsible for a range of decisions under liquor and gaming legislation. ILGA's decisions attract a high degree of public interest and affect a broad range of people state-wide. The Authority has 7 members who are appointed by the Governor. ILGA is supported in its functions by the staff in OILGA.

ILGA is established under the Gaming and Liquor Administration Act 2007, and exercises functions under liquor and gaming legislation, including:

• • determining contentious liquor and gaming licensing proposals
  • determining disciplinary action against licensees and others, and
• reviewing certain delegated decisions made on its behalf by Liquor & Gaming NSW.

In undertaking its functions, ILGA must:

• • promote fair and transparent decision making
• • deal with matters in an informal and expeditious manner, and
• promote public confidence in its decision-making and the conduct of its members.

ILGA takes a risk-based approach to discharging its functions. This means that ILGA will refer to the statutory objects and specific statutory criteria for making decisions set out in the liquor and gaming legislation. ILGA will also consider relevant liquor and gaming related research and evidence, including crime, demographic and health statistics.

About the Role and the Team

OILGA is a small, high performing multidisciplinary team with internal legal resources. It also has a great work culture – don't take our word for it, check our PMES Survey Results: People Matter Employee Survey | NSW Public Service Commission.

With an employee engagement score of 91%, a job satisfaction rating of 93% and a wellbeing rating of 98%, our people gave 100% positive feedback across a range of work areas because they feel heard and included, get to use a wide variety of skills, have freedom to decide how to do the job, and have confidence about how to manage risks.

The Principal Solicitor works with the other lawyers in the team to provide legal advice and support to Authority members.

This involves:

• • Written and oral advice on complex legal questions within short time frames
• • Interpretation of relevant legislation, and coordination of legal proceedings, to support ILGA in exercising its legislative powers and functions
• • Briefing external legal resources and counsel to provide representation and advice in NCAT and the Supreme Court
• Project managing litigation

For any questions regarding the role please email Chris Roach, Director OILGA via

About You

• • You will possess excellent statutory interpretation skills and knowledge in one or more of the following: administrative law, liquor and gaming legislation or litigation
• • You will be proactive and able to effectively manage your workflow
• • You will have experience providing high quality legal advice in plain English
• • You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• • You will display proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• • You will have sound analytical and problem-solving skills
• You will display a high level of integrity and professionalism

Essential Requirements

• • Legal qualifications, admission as a legal practitioner to the Supreme Court of NSW and a current unrestricted practising certificate
• • At least five years post admission experience
• • Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following - administrative law, gaming and liquor legislation, litigation in NCAT and the Supreme Court
• • Excellent statutory interpretation skills
• • Experience overseeing disciplinary processes and/or working in a regulatory environment
• Appointment and ongoing assignment may be subject to restrictions and the satisfactory participation in mandatory pre-employment and ongoing probity screening, in accordance with relevant Legislation and/or related policies

If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you To learn more about the role, please view the Role Description here or visit

How to Apply

Your application must include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) and an up-to-date resume that details your capabilities and experience in relation to the above role. You must submit your application via our online portal to apply for the role. Applications will not be accepted by email.

Closing Date: Thursday 27 November 2025 [10.00am] - Applications submitted after the closing date and time will not be considered.

For any questions regarding the recruitment please contact James Changkaeomanee, Talent Partner via

Please note, the Department has an office closure from Thursday 25 December 2025 to Friday 9 January 2026 with recruitment recommencing from Monday 12 January 2026. Candidates will receive an update on their application from this date onward. In addition, our system will be unavailable for applications on Wednesday 24 December and Thursday 25 December 2025.

Working in the Office of the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority

At ILGA, we believe that diversity allows us to be a true reflection of NSW citizens. We are a respectful workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please notify us on your application.