Principal Legal Officer Energy

Sydney - Australia

Monthly Salary: $ 151227 - 176110

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW

Together we create thriving environments communities and economies across our State.

Ongoing full-time role 35 hrs/week
Office based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD flexible within other established NSW work locations
Salary relative to experience ranging from $151227 to $176110 superannuationand annual leave loading

We at the Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water(DCCEEW) are looking for experienced energy lawyers to join a high performing team focused on shaping the energy transition in NSW.

About the team

The Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure legal team supports the delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap the NSW Governments plan to transform our electricity system into one that is affordable clean and reliable for everyone.

The team is responsible for managing legislative reform providing commercial and regulatory legal advice on the NSW and national legislative framework for the energy sector negotiating the delivery of major projects supporting negotiations with the Commonwealth and other States and providing expert advice on the governance and risk arrangements.

About the role

This is an opportunity for driven lawyers to lead priority law reform for the State at a critical and highly exciting time in NSWs transition to renewable energy and deliver a lasting impact for the people of NSW.

The successful candidates will play a critical role in managing legislative reform providing commercial and regulatory advice and advising on the negotiation and delivery of major projects involved in the implementation of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The role will involve providing leadership support supervising and mentoring team members and contributing to an inclusive and collegiate team culture.

About You

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced energy law professional with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients.

You will demonstrate a collaborative approach responsiveness to client timeframes attention to detail and well-developed advice writing research and analytical skills.

Undertaking and working independently on a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes our Principal Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to lead manage and support junior lawyers. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear authoritative practical and solution focussed advice. You will have confidence and ability to build strong collaborative relationships with clients and team members.

We welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one of the following areas of law:

Energy Commercial (including the delivery of major projects or energy law reform); or
Energy Regulatory (including providing advice on the National Electricity Laws and National Electricity Rules).

Experience in the following areas will also be viewed favourably:

Administrative law;
Statutory interpretation; and
Legislative reform.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must be:

Admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction.
Have experience practising in energy law in a government in-house or private sector organisation.
Hold or be eligible to hold a NSW Practising Certificate.

Please note there is also a general preference that the successful candidate has at least 5 years post admission experience unless they are able to demonstrate significant relevant experience.

For more information read the full role description: Principal Legal Officer

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. Your application should include:

a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 3 pages)
a cover letter outlining your energy law experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role experience (maximum 3 pages)

Applications close on Sunday 26 Oct 2025 at 11:55 PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Blake Osmond A/Deputy General Counsel via email to

A recruitment pool will 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 support people with disability
Information and adjustments for individual needs for 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) via0or (please mention reference number 545603).

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

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Role Description

Required Experience:

Staff IC

Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSWTogether we create thriving environments communities and economies across our State.Ongoing full-time role 35 hrs/weekOffice based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD flexible within other established NSW work locationsSalary relative to experience ra...