Legal Officer

Do you want to work in a dynamic team committed to the valuable work of the NSW Department of Education?

• Full time, ongoing Legal Officer role
• 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you work-life balance
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible and hybrid working arrangements available
• Competitive remuneration package of $129,492 - $151,236 plus super and leave loading

About the role

The Legal Officer Grade 3/4 provides high-level litigation and legal advice, briefings and correspondence on relevant areas of law to ensure efficient and effective legal services. Legal practice areas may include commercial and property law, contracts, liability, discrimination, privacy, employment, attendance, civil, criminal and administrative law and general litigation. The role provides supervision and guidance to Legal Staff to ensure delivery of quality professional legal services and enhance and motivate staff to create a cohesive and skilled team.

This role sits in the School Law Team, which offers direct support and specialised legal advice to schools. The role also requires you to work with a range of stakeholders across the Department due to the complex nature of the matters you will be handling. Additionally, the team delivers the Schools and the Law training programs to schools across the state.

About you

You are a passionate solicitor who has:

• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legislation, policy, and legal practices within the education sector.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills for complex legal documents, including contracts and agreements.
• Proven experience in providing high-level legal advice, advocacy, and representation before courts and tribunals.
• Leadership abilities to supervise, mentor, and guide staff, fostering professional development and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills to deliver legal education, collaborate with stakeholders, and support quality service delivery.

For further information please view the role description.

Benefits

With nearly 160,000 people working across the state, the NSW 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.
• A dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
• A secured and permanent employment opportunity with a stable employer.
• The ability to contribute to positive social outcomes, supporting diverse communities and making a meaningful impact on education.
• Ability to take on short-term assignments or move across different areas within the department to broaden your skills and experience.
• Opportunities to contribute to shaping new policies and drive innovation in education.

Essential requirements, experience and knowledge

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate.
• The ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
• Demonstrate 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.

How to apply

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 Department’s values and priorities.

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’.

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 the website for 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: Sunday 08/11/2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Abbey Salway, Principal Legal Officer at abbey.salway1@det.nsw.edu.au and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Alexis Katombe at AlexisPaul.Katombe@det.nsw.edu.au.

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 Education’s 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.