Principal Legal Officer

• Full Time ongoing senior lawyer leadership opportunity
• 35 hour week with flexible working conditions and generous leave entitlements that give you worklife balance
• Based in Parramatta CBD
• Remuneration of $165865 - $169359 plus super and leave loading

About the Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with nearly 145000 employees across NSW in our schools and corporate offices. Our purpose is centred on the delivery of high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

For more information about the Department of Education please visitNSW Department of Education

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.

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.

We are seeking lawyers who are passionate about public education and committed to delivering thePlan for NSW Public Education.

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 a highly experienced leader and solicitor who:

• can manage and develop people motivate staff and develop capability and potential in others
• works collaborativelywith others valuing their contribution
• communicates effectivelyand 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 solutionsby analysing and considering the broader context
• can manage yourself showing drive and motivation with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning
• understands technologyand uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness
• optimises business outcomesby 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
• 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
• Complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation legal research legal drafting prosecution and advocacy
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to thevalue of public education
• Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the DepartmentsAboriginal Education Policyand upholding theDepartments Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECGand to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Benefits

With nearly 145000 people working all over NSW the Department of Education isnt 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
• a dynamic workplacein an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion

How to apply

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.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience insights and alignment with the Departments values and priorities.

Please refer tothe Applicants Guide to Applyingto assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Educationclick herefor instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking Apply Now.

Note:the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit thewebsitefor more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens permanent residents New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

Closing date:Mon 18th May 2026 11:59pm

Contact:For role enquiries please contact Simone Bush Deputy General Counsel at

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people people of any age or gender people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA community veterans refugees people with disability people with sensory differences and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment details listed above. For more information visit the NSW Department of Educations Diversity equity and inclusion webpage.

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.