Senior Legal Officer, Property Law

Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW

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

• Two X Ongoing full-time roles, 35hrs/week (part-time supported)
• One X Temporary full-time role until end of Aug 2026, mat cover (part-time supported)
• Seeking experienced Property Lawyers – 4 years or more PQE
• Based in Parramatta (flexible working offered) – other established work locations that are deemed suitable across NSW may be considered 
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $138,539 to $148,283 + superannuation + leave loading

Our Commercial, Government and Property Legal team for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is recruiting for multiple Senior Legal Officers with Property Law expertise. 

About The Role

The Senior Legal Officer roles are suited to experienced lawyers keen to utilise their strong analytical skills and expertise to provide high quality legal advisory services and crucial legal support to the many Government Agencies that form part of the Department. With the support of senior lawyers in the team, the work of a Senior Legal Officer will include:

• Engaging with stakeholders and aiding in the delivery of client focused legal services;
• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating a broad range of legal documents including between government agencies, commercial contractors and with private landholders;
• Conducting legal research and drafting legal advice on complex areas of law and policy

As an experienced professional, you will support the Principal Legal Officers, Directors and General Counsel to drive the vision and direction of the legal teams and client agencies, assist in mentoring and supervising junior members to deliver on initiatives and goals, and strive to create an inclusive, responsive and effective environment.

Our team works collaboratively in a variety of areas including commercial, property, regulatory, environmental, administrative, planning, native title, and construction law with our work impacting millions of people in NSW.

About You

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional with Property Law expertise, and a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients. You will have strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions.

Undertaking a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Senior Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to assist with the coordination of junior staff. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative and practical legal advice and legal drafting. You will also have confidence and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and team members.

This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated 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, a NSW Practising Certificate. 
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• real property including acquisitions/disposals, leasing, licensing, easements,  including experience with Crown land;
• compulsory acquisition and just terms compensation;
• landholder access agreements;
• preparation and management of construction contracts;
• administrative law or experience in the policy making and legislative process and good knowledge of statutory interpretation
• real property including acquisitions/disposals, leasing, licensing, easements,  including experience with Crown land;
• compulsory acquisition and just terms compensation;
• landholder access agreements;
• preparation and management of construction contracts;
• administrative law or experience in the policy making and legislative process and good knowledge of statutory interpretation

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Legal Officer

Who We Are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the State’s 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 state’s 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 addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 1 page)

Applications close on Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 11:55 PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Krissy Tomas, Principal Legal Officer via krissy.tomas@dcceew.nsw.gov.au OR Susannah Trigg, Principal Legal Officer via susannah.trigg@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

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 dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via 0437 224 498 or nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 545690).

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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