Senior Legal Officer

Senior Legal Officer (Liability)

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training. 

• Temporary full-time employment opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team (maternity leave up to 12 months)


• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible working arrangements available


• Remuneration of $144,058 - $157,430 plus super & leave loading

About the Legal Services Directorate

The Legal Services Directorate supports schools and corporate officers to navigate the law to put students at the centre of decision-making. Our high performing Directorate works collaboratively across the department to deliver critical legal advice and representation. We are a trusted and credible partner, delivering excellent service and promoting community confidence in public education. Our legal support builds organisational capabilities so that every student, every teacher, every leader and every school can improve, every year.

About the team

The liability team is a dynamic team of lawyers guiding the department through complex civil litigation matters while working with a range of stakeholders. The team provides advice to schools and business units, negotiates with defendants and claimant solicitors, provides representation in tribunal matters, court hearings and mediations, and prepares a wide range of legal documents. The team enjoys a balance of in-house client advice and assistance and instructing external legal service providers.

Through the provision of strategic legal advice and services, the Liability team supports the department to deliver the Plan for NSW Public Education.

About the role

The Senior Legal Officer provides timely high-level legal advice on liability matters, represents the department at mediations and litigated hearings and manages complex legal issues to ensure the provision of efficient and effective legal services.

The role assists management in the professional supervision of staff, including coordinating the allocation of resources and workloads, monitoring business and staff performance, and providing review, instruction and direction to enhance and motivate staff to create a cohesive and high performing team.

About you

You will have a talent for managing people and an enthusiasm for public education, and you will hold a current NSW practising certificate, with at least 3 years’ post qualification experience (whether in-house or private firm) in:

• Conducting litigations, arranging representations before courts and tribunals, committees, advisory bodies and working parties to ensure optimum outcomes in the resolution of legal matters for clients and the department.


• Drafting and reviewing complex legal documents including pleadings, advices, submissions, court process, orders, briefing notes, internal policies and procedures, and instructions to external legal advisors to support the department’s operations.


• You will model the highest standards of integrity and most importantly, be passionate about education and making a contribution to the future of NSW.

You are a highly experienced solicitor who:

• can manage yourself, showing drive and motivation, with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning,


• communicates effectively and clearly, actively listening to others and responding with understanding and respect


• works collaboratively with others, valuing the contribution of non-lawyers,


• delivers results, through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes


• can provide practical and holistic solutions, especially by thinking laterally and considering the broader context


• can manage and develop people, especially by valuing staff’s contribution, developing capability and supporting career development


• optimises business outcomes by managing people and resources effectively, to achieve public value especially by using technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness.

For further information please view the role description.

Essential requirements of the role

• Current unrestricted NSW practising certificate (or ability to apply for an unrestricted practising certificate).


• Minimum of 3 years post admission experience.


• Experience in managing junior solicitors and paralegal staff.


• Knowledge and experience in dealing with civil litigation and liability claims or another relevant practice area.


• Working with Children Check clearance for paid employment, or a willingness to apply for clearance.


• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.


• 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.

Benefits

With nearly 100,000 people working all over NSW, the 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.


• flexible working conditions, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work–life balance.


• a dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.


• opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests.

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: 15 February 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Vera Temelkovska, Principal Legal Officer, Liability, [email protected]

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.

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.