Pcpl Legal Off Litigation & Corp

• Full-time employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Role is located in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available
• Remuneration of $161,034 - $164,426 plus super & leave loading

About the Department of Education 

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. 

For more information, please visit NSW Department of Education.  

About the role

The Principal Legal Officer is responsible for leading a practice group team to provide high quality, cost effective and client focused legal services which contribute to the achievement of the directorate’s goals and the department’s stakeholders and business units. With your strong background in civil litigation and liability claims, you will work on and monitor complex matters and represent the department at litigated hearings and alternative dispute resolution conferences to protect the interests of the department whist upholding the highest ethical standards and model litigant principles.

The role is responsible for 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 hold a current NSW practising certificate and have extensive post qualification experience (whether in-house or private firm) in:

• Leading a practice group in conducting litigations, arranging representations before courts and tribunals, committees, advisory bodies and working parties to ensure optimum outcomes in the resolution of legal matters for clients and the department.
• Reviewing complex legal documents including pleadings, advices, submissions, court process, orders, briefing notes, internal policies and procedures, and instructions to external legal advisors to support the department’s operations

You will model the highest standards of integrity and most importantly, be passionate about education and making a contribution to the future of NSW.

You are a highly experienced solicitor who: 

• can manage yourself, showing drive and motivation, with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning
• communicates effectively and clearly, actively listening to others and responding with understanding and respect
• works collaboratively with others, valuing their contribution
• 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
• understands technology and uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness
• can manage and develop people, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others
• 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: 

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate 
• Knowledge and experience in dealing with civil litigation and liability claims
• The ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks
• 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 100,000 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 send your resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) to introduce yourself and explain why you would be a great fit for 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:  Sunday, 29th June 2025 at 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Gemma Jackson, A/Deputy General Counsel at gemma.jackson2@det.nsw.edu.au.  

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. 

Inclusion and Diversity: 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 (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.” 

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent 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.