Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies. Ongoing permanent opportunity Office location – Parramatta (unless you are regionally based) Salary relative to experience and ranges from $145,378 to $168,130 super What’s in it for me? Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support . We offer flexibility in work arrangements , diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritize work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed. Our in-house legal team is currently seeking a senior level lawyer (minimum 7 years PQE) with expertise in the acquisition of land by public authorities, who is eager to apply and enhance their expertise and experience whilst working on some of the most complex and interesting matters in NSW. As a Principal Legal Officer , you will provide strategic, client focused legal advice and services in relation to the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 to acquiring authorities within the Department, and work on matters involving hardship applications, acquisitions by agreement and compulsory process, and disputes with landowners in relation to the acquisition of land. As an experienced professional, you will also support the Legal Director to drive the vision and direction of the team by motivating, mentoring and supervising junior members to deliver on initiatives and goals whilst striving to create an inclusive, responsive and effective environment. You will be joining a high performing, collaborative team offering diversity of work and a great team culture. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal professional to join a dedicated and highly regarded team and be a key contributor in supporting client groups in the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW. For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Legal Officer What you will bring to the role: To excel in this position, you will bring a strong background in either litigation, property, or planning law, with extensive experience advising on the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act . You will have prior expertise in advisory or transactional work related to land acquisition by public authorities in at least one of the following areas: planning law, property law, or litigation and dispute resolution. In addition, you will: Provide strategic, client-focused legal services for compulsory acquisitions and acquisitions by agreement. Lead negotiations with agencies, developers, landowners, and legal representatives to achieve positive outcomes for clients and the Department. Identify, manage, and mitigate legal, commercial, reputational and practical risks by understanding risk profiles and integrating them into legal documentation. Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills to deliver clear, authoritative, and practical advice. Possess proven negotiation skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges with adaptability. Show exceptional time management and organizational skills, ensuring tasks are prioritized and deadlines are met efficiently. Exhibit resilience, maintaining productivity and focus during challenging situations. Drive results effectively, fostering collaboration and buy-in through stakeholder engagement. Work autonomously with initiative, confidence, and sound decision-making abilities. Contribute actively to a highly supportive and collegial team culture, promoting a positive and collaborative work environment. Essential requirement It is an essential requirement that you have been admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an NSW Practicing Certificate. About us The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities. We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments. Join us If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Applications close Sunday, 23 February 2025 Should you require further information about the role please contact Amanda Alassad-Bruun, Director Legal, Property Development and Transactions, amanda.abruundpie.nsw.gov.au or on 0437 152 227. 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. Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. If we can make adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team on DiversityDPIE.nsw.gov.au If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out our Aboriginal guide to applying for a role .