Legal Officer (Litigation, Commercial or Property)

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the State’s environment and heritage.

 

• Seeking lawyers with experience in litigation, commercial and/or property law
• Various ongoing and temporary full-time roles available, 35 hours per week (Part time-negotiable) 
• Based in Parramatta with flexible working (other NSW locations are considered based on office availability, Sydney CBD touchdown space available) 
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $115,853 to $130,547 + superannuation and leave loading 

 

Join a highly collegiate in-house commercial and property team or litigation team of enthusiastic, collaborative, passionate and results-driven lawyers.

 

About the role

As a Legal Officer within the Department, you will be a part of a dynamic and supportive branch that works collaboratively in a variety of areas including commercial and property law,environmental law, energy law, water law, compliance and enforcement law, prosecutions and general litigation, with our work impacting millions of people in NSW.

The Commercial & Property Legal Team supports contractual, and property matters across all divisions in the Department, contributing to outcomes that support NSW Government priorities in climate, energy, environment and water. You will be involved in a wide range of commercial or property matters across the Department, including: 

• advising on a broad range of commercial contracts, such as funding agreements, procurement contracts (including in areas such as construction, consultancy and goods and services) and collaboration agreements;
• advising on legal risk and identifying probity or compliance issues associated with commercial or property transactions, including compliance with NSW Government policies such as the Grants Administration Guide;
• advising on a broad range of property transactions including acquisitions and disposals, leases, licences and easements. These support business areas involved in energy transition, water administration and protected area/ national park management;
• supporting business areas across the Department through the full lifecycle of their commercial or property arrangements, from planning and procurement through to contract, construction or property management and dispute resolution;
• contributing to continuous improvement of legal templates and guidance material, for example, preparing fact sheets and other resources to support internal clients;
• building strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external advisors; and
• liaising with other legal and policy teams in DCCEEW and across government.

While positions will focus primarily on commercial or property law, you may also have opportunities to gain experience on a broader range of matters across the Commercial & Property team. Experience in a government or public sector environment or advising on large‑scale or high‑value projects, will be highly regarded.

The Litigation Team provides client focused representation and advice in litigation, enforcement and employment law matters across the department. You will be involved in:

• conducting and working on a diverse range of prosecutions, administrative law challenges, and other criminal and civil litigation matters with a particular focus on environment, water, heritage, energy and employment law.
• representing the department and its Ministers in legal proceedings,
• drafting advice, court documents, directions, orders and ministerial and departmental briefing notes on litigation, law enforcement and employment law related issues.
• developing and maintaining enduring relationships within the Litigation Team and with Governance and Legal Branch colleagues, clients, and key stakeholders.

 

About You

We would be thrilled to receive applications from passionate lawyers with expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas:

• commercial law and contract drafting, negotiation and finalisation;
• provision of advice relating to contract interpretation and contract departure requests;
• understanding of funding agreements within a government environment;
• understanding of the NSW Government Sector Finance Act;
• understanding of NSW Public Works and Procurement Act;
• construction law;
• real property transactions, including acquisitions and disposals, leases, licences and easements;
• provision of advice on legal matters concerning real property, including conveyancing, compulsory acquisitions, Crown and reserved lands, and retail and residential tenancies;
• litigation;
• criminal law
• administrative law and statutory interpretation;
• environmental law;
• compliance and enforcement law.

To be successful in these roles, you will be a highly motivated legal professional with a commitment to delivering quality legal advice and services to clients. You will have strong research skills and a keen eye for detail with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions. Working within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will have high-level time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritise and manage competing tasks to meet deadlines.

You confidently engage with key stakeholders and team members to build and maintain collaborative relationships and can utilise your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate complex ideas and persuasive legal advice and support to varied audiences in a range of styles.

 

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. 

For more information read the full Role Description: Legal Officer

 

Who we are

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work 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, including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and single page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role you would like to be considered for, i.e. commercial, property or litigation (or if you have no preference, please indicate you are happy to be considered for any role).

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

 

Applications close Monday, 18 May 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Kelsey Boreham, A/Senior Legal Officer via kelsey.boreham@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment 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.

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 on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 549042).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Guide for Aboriginal Applicants to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.

 

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