Special Counsel, Commercial Law

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW

Working to protect the states environment and heritage.

• Key leadership opportunity for an experienced commerciallawyer
• Ongoing full-time opportunity 35 hrs per week
• Based in Parramatta(flexible working supported;other office locationconsideredsubject to availability)
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $178315 to $197753 superannuationand annual leave loading

Join a high-performing legal team delivering complex strategically significant commercial work that supports some of the NSW Governments most important priorities in climate change energy transition environmental protection biodiversity conservation water security.

About the team

The Commercial and Property Legal team supports contractual and property matters across all divisions in the Department contributing to outcomes that support NSW Government priorities in climate change energy transition environmental protection biodiversity conservation water security.

About the role

Reporting to the Director Commercial and Property the Special Counsel will provide senior legal leadership on complex high-profile and strategically significant commercial matters across the Department.

This is a key leadership role responsible for:

• Leading a team of legal professionals delivering high-quality commercial legal services.
• Providing authoritative advice on major procurements contracts funding arrangements and other complex commercial transactions.
• Partnering with senior executives and business leaders to support strategic decision-making and manage legal risk.
• Leading complex and sensitive legal matters from conception through to implementation.
• Developing precedents templates guidance materials and systems that improve consistency efficiency and quality of legal services.
• Building capability across the legal function through coaching mentoring training and knowledge sharing.
• Contributing to a positive collaborative and high-performing team culture.

The role provides a unique opportunity to combine legal excellence strategic influence and people leadership while working on matters of genuine public significance for NSW.

About you

You are a highly capable experienced commercial lawyer with a strong track record of delivering practical strategic legal advice on complex matters. You enjoy building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders leading and developing people and delivering high-quality legal services in a fast-paced environment.

You bring:

• Significant experience in commercial and contract law including procurements contracts and funding arrangements.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated leadership capability including mentoring and developing legal professionals.
• Sound judgement and a pragmatic solutions-focused approach to managing legal risk.
• A commitment to collaboration continuous improvement and excellence in client service.

This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated experienced lawyers eager to progress their legal careers to join the dedicated and highly regarded teams together with significant opportunity to be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.

Essential Requirements

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold or be eligible to hold an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
• Extensive experience in the provision of legal services.
• Sound understanding of the processes of government and experience in provision of advice and briefing senior stakeholders.

For more information read the full Role DescriptionSpecial Counsel Commercial Law

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water(DCCEEW) works to protect the States environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy powered by affordable reliable and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the States natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state to support the environment communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

To Apply

If excited by the information above we look forward to receiving your application including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please also note to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Applications close on Monday 07 Sept 2026 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Lauren Bathur Director Commercial and Property via email to oron.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live work and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people people with disabilities the LGBTQI community and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and supportpeople with disability
• Information andadjustments for individual needsfor the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Nivya Shetty onor via (please mention reference number 551691).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at for a yarn.

Find us on Facebook Instagram X (Twitter) YouTube and LinkedIn.