Address
Form of work
Salary- Ongoing full-time position (35 hpw)
- Location: Parramatta with flexible working arrangements available
- Legal Officer VI, Base Salary ($148,885 - $152,021), plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
You will be a Principal Solicitor in the Advisings and Community Protection team in the Legal Branch of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ). The team provides legal advice and support to the Attorney General as First Law Officer in respect of his statutory and common law responsibilities, as well as other Ministers and Executives in DCJ. The team conducts litigation and advises on legislation so as to contribute to reducing reoffending, ensuring the safety and protection of the community, and maintaining public confidence in the criminal justice system.
What you'll do
You will:
- Conduct highly complex and routine legal matters (advice, transaction and or litigation) and supervise the conduct by solicitors Grades 1-111, IV and V and paralegal staff within the functional group to ensure the provision of high quality, cost effective and client focussed legal services which contribute to the achievement of the goals of Legal and the Department's stakeholders/business units.
- Closely assist management in the professional supervision and mentoring of staff and provision of legal services, including where assigned, coordinating the allocation of resources and workloads, monitoring business and staff performance, providing instruction and direction to enhance and motivate staff to create a cohesive and skilled team.
- Provide the highest level of legal services, advocacy and advice to clients, senior management, and staff in accordance with legislative requirements, policies, procedures, guidelines, precedents and practice standards.
- Provide representation as solicitor advocate before Courts, Tribunals, and Commissions of Inquiry or where required, including matters against opposing counsel.
- Supervise legal matters in accordance with relevant policies, procedures, guidelines in order to ensure high client service standards and satisfaction while developing staff and providing professional direction to ensure the delivery of quality legal services by staff within the functional group.
- Develop and review the most complex and sensitive legal documents including legal records, correspondence, reports, submissions, briefing notes, contracts and other matters allocated.
- Contribute to the development, review and implementation of complex legislation and policies and practice standards and provide ongoing monitoring and advice.
- Extensive knowledge and experience in the relevant area/s of law impacting on the Department of Communities and Justice, including statutory and common law responsibilities of the Attorney General and other DCJ Ministers
- Experience in managing complex matters in a high volume and sensitive environment
- Experience in leading and managing a team of staff, including legal and non-legal staff
- Experience as a solicitor / advocate.
- Legal Qualifications and eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a Government legal practitioner issued by the NSW Law Society, with condition 2 removed.
- Where required hold a National Security Clearance at the appropriate level in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:
- National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
- Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply - you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and Community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It's work that really matters.
Apply now and join where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply, attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) addressing the 2 targeted questions below with a brief outline on how you meet the requirements of the role:
- Targeted Question 1 - Outline your strong understanding of relevant legal areas including administrative law, litigation, and criminal law, as well as experience in conducting highly complex legal matters.
- Targeted Question 2 - Describe your approach to managing competing priorities and developing staff to create a cohesive and skilled team and meet business goals.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it's like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Anita Chen-Hatton, Director on 0447 948 981 or via
If you've got a question about applying or would benefit from an to help you perform at your best, please call Paola Pina on 02 8688 0638 or via
Visit to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit .
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
For more information visit .
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
