Principal Legal Officer

• Full Time, ongoing senior lawyer leadership opportunity


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


• Opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests 


• Based in Parramatta CBD


• Remuneration of $165,865 - $169,359 plus super and leave loading

About the Department of Education 

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia, with nearly 145,000 employees across NSW in our schools and corporate offices. Our purpose is centred on the delivery of high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education 

Cleaning services program

The Department of Education is responsible for managing the whole-of-government cleaning services program. These arrangements apply to all NSW public schools, as well as participating whole-of-government agencies and other eligible entities across the state.

The cleaning services arrangements are currently conducted in two programs:

1. Whole-of-government cleaning contracts to support most regions across NSW, except for the Hunter and Central Coast. 


2. Employment of cleaning services staff for the Hunter and Central Coast.

More information can be found here: Cleaning services 

About the role

This role is responsible for leading the legal team that will provide legal support for the whole-of-government cleaning services program. The role will lead the  team to provide high quality and client focused legal services to achieve value for money outcomes and contribute to the achievement of the directorate’s goals and those of the department’s stakeholders and business units. It is anticipated that the work of this team will include employment and WHS related advice together with contractual/commercial and procurement legal advice. If you have a strong background in employment and WHS and/or contract law and procurement this would be a good role for you.

We are seeking lawyers who are passionate about public education and committed to delivering the Plan for NSW Public Education.

About you

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 their contribution


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


• can develop practical solutions by analysing and considering the broader context


• understands technology and uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness


• can manage and develop people, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others


• optimises business outcomes by managing people and resources effectively, to achieve public value.

For further information please view the role description.

Essential requirements, experience and knowledge  

Your professional credentials, experience and expertise should include: 

• Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate 


• Experience as a solicitor/advocate 


• Knowledge and experience in dealing with legal matters related to procurement, contract law, employment and WHS that impact the NSW Department of Education 


• The ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks


• Complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, prosecution and advocacy 


• 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 145,000 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 


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

How to apply 

If you are interested in joining the team, we want to hear from you! 

Please attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

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: Wednesday 10th June 2026, 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Simone Nokes, Deputy General Counsel at [email protected]

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.

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.