Principal Legal Officer - Administrative Law

• 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 to 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 

About the team

The Administrative Law team is a dynamic team of lawyers guiding the department through complex public law matters, regulatory challenges, and statutory interpretation while working with a wide range of stakeholders. The team provides strategic advice to schools and business units on administrative decision-making, governance, compliance, and risk mitigation, while also delivering specialised advice on privacy protection, data access requests, discrimination claims, managing redress claims and instructing on matters before NCAT, AHRC and the Federal Court. In delivering these services, members enjoy a rewarding balance of direct, in-house client consultation and strategically instructing external legal service providers on high-stakes public law litigation.

About the role

This role will lead the Administrative Law team to provide high quality, cost effective and client focused legal services which contribute to the achievement of the goals of the directorate and the department’s stakeholders and business units.

If you have a strong background in administrative law, statutory interpretation, legal policy, privacy law issues along with privacy internal reviews, discrimination claims, and management of redress claims; this would be a good role for you and we want to hear from 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 and develop people, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others


• works collaboratively with others, valuing their contribution


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


• 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


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


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


• 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 


• Proven ability in managing, motivating and developing staff so their potential is maximised


• Knowledge and experience in dealing with administrative law matters


• 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.

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: Sun 21st June 2026, 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Simone Bush, 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.