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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 commercial and contract law
  • 2 X ongoing, full-time roles available, 35 hours per week (Part time-negotiable)
  • Based in Parramatta with flexible working (other NSW locations are negotiable based on office availability)
  • Salary depending on experience, ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + superannuation & leave loading

About the role

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will provide high‑quality, practical and timely legal advice to support the Department’s commercial activities and major programs. You will work closely with business areas on complex and high‑value matters, including drafting, negotiating and advising on a range of funding agreements, procurement contracts and other project delivery agreements.

The Commercial legal team supports contractual 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 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;
  • drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts to support projects and initiatives within the Department, including funding agreements to support Energy Transition programs;
  • advising on legal risk and identifying probity or compliance issues associated with commercial transactions, including compliance with NSW Government policies such as the Grants Administration Guide;
  • supporting business areas across the Department through the full lifecycle of their commercial arrangements, from planning and procurement through to contract management and dispute resolution;
  • contributing to continuous improvement of legal templates and guidance material, for example including 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.

You may also have opportunities to gain experience in the broader team Commercial and Property team - for example, you may assist on property matters such as leases or licences in national parks. Experience in a government or public sector environment, or advising on large‑scale or high‑value projects, will be highly regarded.

About You

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional who is commercially‑minded and who can deliver clear, solutions‑focused advice in a complex government environment.

You will demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail, and well-developed contract drafting skills, advice writing, research and analytical skills.

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
  • A minimum of 3 years post-admission experience
  • 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; or
    • construction law.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior 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.

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 Sunday 15 March 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role, please contact Lauren on lauren.bathur@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 547794).

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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