Company description:

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. For more information about the Department of Education, please visit http://www.dec.nsw.gov.au/

Job description:

• Full Time, ongoing opportunity in a vibrant and supportive team
• Based in Parramatta CBD with flexible work arrangements available
• Remuneration of $161,034 - $164,426 plus super and leave loading

About the Department of Education

The Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia, with nearly 100,000 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 student population.

For more information about the Department of Education, please visit NSW Department of Education

About the role

This role is responsible for leading the employment law practice group team to provide high quality, cost effective and client focused legal services which contribute to the achievement of the directorate's goals and the department's stakeholders and business units. The Department has a large workforce operating across the State. So, with your strong background in employment law and work health and safety matters, you will lead a team working on complex employment-related advice and litigation matters in the NSW State jurisdiction including unfair dismissals, terminations, transfers, restructures, redundancy strategies, discrimination, bullying, whistleblower, and work health and safety issues.

We are seeking lawyers who are passionate about public education and committed to delivering the Plan for NSW Public Education.

About you

You are a highly experienced solicitor who:

• can manage yourself, showing drive and motivation, with an ability to self-reflect and commit to learning
• communicates effectively and clearly, actively listening to others and responding with understanding and respect
• works collaboratively with others, valuing their contribution
• delivers results, through the efficient use of resources and a commitment to quality outcomes
• can develop practical solutions by analysing and considering the broader context
• understands technology and uses available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness
• can manage and develop people, motivate staff, and develop capability and potential in others
• optimises business outcomes by managing people and resources effectively, to achieve public value.

For further information please view the role description.

Essential requirements, experience and knowledge

Your professional credentials, experience and expertise should include:

• legal qualifications and a current unrestricted NSW legal practising certificate
• experience as a solicitor/advocate
• knowledge and experience in dealing with employment law issues that impact the NSW Department of Education
• the ability to provide quality independent legal advice and manage legal risks
• complementary capabilities in statutory interpretation, legal research, legal drafting, prosecution and advocacy
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
• 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.

Benefits

With nearly 100,000 people working all over NSW, the Department of Education isn't like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

• the opportunity to make a real difference, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines
• flexible working conditions, with a 35-hour week and generous leave entitlements that give you unrivalled work-life balance
• a dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion
• opportunities for advancement beyond the initial job description, with scope to move sideways as well as up and receive the professional support you need to discover new talents and interests

How to apply

If you are interested in joining the team, we want to hear from you!

Please attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now'.

Closing date: Wednesday, 02 July 2025, 11:59pm

Contact: For role enquiries please contact Sarah Hargans, General Counsel at sarah.hargans@det.nsw.edu.au

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number and complete a National Criminal Record Check. Visit the website for more information.

Inclusion and Diversity: 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 (dandi@det.nsw.edu.au) or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion."

A talent pool may be created through this recruitment process. A talent pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.