Senior Legal Officer

About the Department of Education The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with nearly 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 students. For more information please visit NSW Department of Education. About the Legal Services Directorate The Legal Services Directorate supports schools and corporate offices 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 role The Senior Legal Officer provides timely high‑level legal advice, briefings, correspondence and advice on complex areas of employment law and policy issues to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective legal services. The main areas of practice include litigation and providing advice in employment, injured worker and work health and safety matters. The team is joined with the Attendance Team that manages all school enforcement proceedings in the Children’s Court and Local Court for both government and non‑government schools. Experience in employment and / or WHS law is preferred. Experience in other areas of law will also be highly desirable. Key accountabilities Managing complex contentious or sensitive cases, reviews, research and other legal and administrative activities. Providing advice on new and emerging issues in the relevant area of the law and their longer‑term implications. Supervising, mentoring and developing staff and managing staff performance. Drafting and reviewing complex legal documents. Contributing to the design and development of practice group strategy plans and programs. Supporting the collection and analysis of legal data to deliver reporting that informs and improves the department’s operations. Benefits Flexible working arrangements including hybrid / work from home arrangements. 35 hour working week (pro rata). Competitive salary, salary sacrificing, employer contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading. Flexible leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions. Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support your career growth. Essential requirements Legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate (or eligibility for one). Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education. Key knowledge and experience Knowledge and experience in the relevant area(s) of law impacting on the NSW Department of Education with the ability to provide targeted and high‑quality advice and casework services. 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. How to apply Please attach your resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) explaining why you would be a great fit for this role including areas of relevant experience. All other applicants please submit your application by clicking Apply Now. 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 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). 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. EEO Statement 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 or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion. Closing date Friday 28 November 2025 at 11 : 59pm. #J-18808-Ljbffr