Principal Legal Officer Energy

Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW Together we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State. Ongoing full‑time role 35 hrs / week Office based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD; flexible within other established NSW work locations Salary relative to experience ranging from $151,227 to $176,110 superannuation and annual leave loading We at the Department of Climate Change Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) are looking for experienced energy lawyers to join a high‑performing team focused on shaping the energy transition in NSW. About the team The Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure legal team supports the delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, the NSW Government’s plan to transform our electricity system into one that is affordable, clean and reliable for everyone. The team is responsible for managing legislative reform, providing commercial and regulatory legal advice on the NSW and national legislative framework for the energy sector, negotiating the delivery of major projects, supporting negotiations with the Commonwealth and other states, and providing expert advice on governance and risk arrangements. About the role This is an opportunity for driven lawyers to lead priority law reform for the State at a critical and highly exciting time in NSW’s transition to renewable energy, delivering a lasting impact for the people of NSW. The successful candidate will manage legislative reform, provide commercial and regulatory advice, and advise on the negotiation and delivery of major projects involved in the implementation of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap. The role will involve providing leadership support, supervising and mentoring team members, and contributing to an inclusive and collegiate team culture. About you You are a highly motivated and experienced energy law professional with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients. You demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail, and well‑developed advice‑writing, research and analytical skills. You have excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, can lead, manage and support junior lawyers, and possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative, practical, and solution‑focused advice. We welcome applications from lawyers with experience in one of the following areas of law: Energy Commercial (including delivery of major projects or energy law reform) Energy Regulatory (including providing advice on the National Electricity Laws and National Electricity Rules) Experience in the following areas will also be viewed favourably: Administrative law Statutory interpretation Legislative reform Essential requirements Admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction. Experience practising energy law in a government in‑house or private sector organisation. Hold or be eligible to hold a NSW Practising Certificate. There is a general preference for at least 5 years post‑admission experience, unless significant relevant experience can be demonstrated. To apply Include: A resume, maximum 3 pages, clearly detailing relevant skills and experience. A cover letter, maximum 3 pages, outlining your energy law experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role. Applications close on Sunday 26 Oct 2025 at 11:55 PM For further information, contact Blake Osmond A / Deputy General Counsel by email at #J-18808-Ljbffr