Principal Solicitor

The City of Parramatta is going through unprecedented change and transformation as it grows and transforms into a Global City. The intensity of growth and investment in City of Parramatta means that Council, their partners, and community have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the City's future and ensure it is culturally, socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

About the role

This position is responsible for managing & mitigating critical legal issues for the Chief Executive Officer and Council. Working collaboratively with the Legal Team you will manage internal and external matters which may be politically sensitive.

On a daily basis you will

• Manage and support the Legal Team of Senior Solicitors, Associate Solicitors, Legal Support Officers, and the Legal Administration Assistant to provide a high-quality in-house legal service including legal advice in relation to regulatory compliance, property law matters, business structure and acquisitions, employment, litigation, corporate governance, and maintaining privacy obligations.
• Provide high level legal and strategic advice to the Chief Executive Office and Executive management team on a broad and diverse range of issues.
• Manage complex litigation occurring in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court handled by external, outsourced legal service providers.
• Provide support and direction to the Legal Team in preparation for litigation in relation to both claims and appeals in the Local Court, Land and Environment Court and other courts or tribunals.
• Manage the service area's annual budget and provide key inputs to the budgeting and forecasting processes to promote sound financial sustainability.
• Provide expert, professional legal advice, and direction to the Legal Team on a wide range of Council responsibilities relating to government law and information, public access, privacy, and other relevant legislative materials.

About You

The successful candidate will have a Bachelor of Laws or post graduate equivalent and minimum 10+ years PQE. Extensive previous experience in local government in relation to administrative, planning, property contract and/or commercial law and current NSW Practising Certificate.

It would be preferred but not essential for applicants to have:

• Demonstrated experience providing authoritative, expert and strategic legal and policy advice on a range of complex and sensitive matters including conducting litigation.
• High level of understanding of the legislative, operational and political structure of local governments and all required legislative obligations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop and support a team to maximise team effectiveness.
• Demonstrated experience working with an Executive Team and Councillors or similar governance structure.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a politically sensitive environment.

What's on offer

We are offering an attractive total remuneration from $182,810 to $202,743.36 plus 11% superannuation.

In addition City of Parramatta also offer excellent employee benefits which include:

• A range of flexible work arrangements including hybrid WFH arrangements
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Access to Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Central Parramatta location (Public transport at our door, discounted parking)
• Significant leave benefits (up to 12 days flexi-time, 3 additional leave days at Christmas, 15 days sick/personal leave including 2 days health and wellbeing leave per year)
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Health and Wellbeing programs (Fitness Passport, Flu Shots)

Want to know more?

Further information regarding the requirements of this role can be found in the attached Position Description.

Alternatively for a confidential discussion please contact John Angilley at *********@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

How to apply

Candidates MUST apply online.

Applications close 9pm, Wednesday 31st January 2024 and will not be accepted through any other medium.

The successful candidate is required to be vaccinated (at least 2 doses of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine) in accordance with Council's vaccination policy. Candidates may submit a medical contraindication for Council's consideration.

This position requires the preferred candidate to undergo a Criminal History Records check. A criminal history does not necessarily disqualify a prospective candidate from selection.

The City of Parramatta supports a Drug and Alcohol-free working environment and employees may be subject to random testing as a result.

Inclusion, Diversity and belonging lies at the heart of how we recruit at the City of Parramatta. We continue to commit to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experiences, and backgrounds. We invite candidates of all ages, people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, women, veterans, LGBTIQA+ and other culturally diverse groups. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.

Please note you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident or have unlimited working rights in Australia to apply for this position.