Job Description

Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Join the in-house Litigation team at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure and be part of the State’s most interesting and high-profile litigation, working with a team of supportive, fun and high-performing lawyers.
• Temporary (Up to 12 months) full-time opportunity available.
• Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Newcastle or Gosford locations with flexible working supported | Other NSW locations by negotiation.
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $151,227 to $176,110 + super

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

The Principal Legal Officer at the Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure supports strategic, defensible decision‑making by delivering authoritative, high‑level legal advice across a complex and diverse regulatory environment, with a strong emphasis on leading and managing contentious, high‑risk and litigation matters. It plays a key role in guiding the Department’s approach to disputes, enforcement and litigation by interpreting legislation, policy and case law, proactively identifying and managing legal risk, and translating complex issues into clear, practical and strategic options that uphold the public interest and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.

The role operates in a fast‑paced and high‑profile setting with competing priorities, sensitive issues and tight timeframes. It leads complex legal matters and major projects, including litigation and prosecutions, and oversees the preparation and review of statutory instruments, policy and legislative proposals, and legal documents. Working closely with senior stakeholders, it drives resolution of disputes, manages legal exposure and regulatory risk, and provides leadership, guidance and quality assurance to legal staff, strengthening capability and ensuring consistent, high‑quality legal practice.

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

What you will bring to the role

• Provide authoritative, high‑level legal advice on complex, sensitive and high‑risk matters, including planning litigation, administrative and regulatory law
• Lead and manage complex legal matters and major projects, including disputes, prosecutions and strategic litigation
• Interpret legislation and policy to identify, manage and mitigate legal and regulatory risk, delivering clear, practical and defensible solutions
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing outcomes and supporting government priorities
• Mentor and guide legal staff, ensuring quality assurance, consistency of advice and strengthening team capability

Key knowledge and experience

Experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Planning and environmental law including the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act
• Administrative law or experience in the policy making and legislative process and good knowledge of statutory interpretation
• Property, native title or crown lands law
• Contract and commercial law
• Local government law
• Compliance and regulatory law, prosecutions and general litigation.

What is an essential requirement:

• 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

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities.

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Please include a copy of your Practising Certificate and/or Admission (or qualification for admission) into the Supreme Court of NSW into the Qualifications section of your application.

Applications close 11:55PM on Sunday 31 May 2026

Should you require further information about the role please contact Adam Hutchings on adam.hutchings@dpie.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step by step guide here If you experience any issues please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.