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. About this role 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, including superannuation and annual leave loading. 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 an affordable, clean and reliable system 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 and to deliver a lasting impact for the people of NSW. The successful candidates will play a critical role in managing legislative reform, providing commercial and regulatory advice and advising 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 To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced energy law professional with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients. You will demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail and well‑developed advice‑writing, research and analytical skills. Undertaking and working independently on a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing time‑frames, our Principal Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills as well as the capability to lead, manage and support junior lawyers. You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative, practical and solution‑focused advice. You will have confidence and ability to build strong collaborative relationships with clients and team members. We welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one of the following areas of law: Energy Commercial (including the 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. Have experience practising in energy law in a government in‑house or private sector organisation. Hold or be eligible to hold a NSW Practising Certificate. Please note there is also a general preference that the successful candidate has at least 5 years post‑admission experience unless they can demonstrate significant relevant experience. Who we are The Department of Climate Change Energy the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works 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. Your application should include: A resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 3 pages) A cover letter outlining your energy law experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role (maximum 3 pages) Applications close on Sunday 26 Oct 2025 at 11:55 PM. Should you require further information about the role please contact Blake Osmond A / Deputy General Counsel via email. Diversity and inclusion We are committed to building a workforce that represents and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales, including people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI community and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace is underpinned by efforts to support people with disability and to provide adjustments for individual needs in the recruitment process and workplace. If you require an adjustment for your application process please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing or contacting Nivya Shetty (please mention reference number ). If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn. #J-18808-Ljbffr