Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Key leadership opportunity for an experienced commercial lawyer
- Ongoing full-time opportunity, 35 hrs per week
- Based in Parramatta (flexible working supported; other office location considered subject to availability)
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $178,315 to $197,753 + superannuation and annual leave loading
Join a high-performing legal team delivering complex, strategically significant commercial work that supports some of the NSW Government's most important priorities in climate change, energy transition, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, water security.
About the team
The Commercial and Property Legal team supports contractual and property matters across all divisions in the Department, contributing to outcomes that support NSW Government priorities in climate change, energy transition, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, water security.
About the role
Reporting to the Director, Commercial and Property, the Special Counsel will provide senior legal leadership on complex, high-profile and strategically significant commercial matters across the Department.
This is a key leadership role responsible for:
- Leading a team of legal professionals delivering high-quality commercial legal services.
- Providing authoritative advice on major procurements, contracts, funding arrangements and other complex commercial transactions.
- Partnering with senior executives and business leaders to support strategic decision-making and manage legal risk.
- Leading complex and sensitive legal matters from conception through to implementation.
- Developing precedents, templates, guidance materials and systems that improve consistency, efficiency and quality of legal services.
- Building capability across the legal function through coaching, mentoring, training and knowledge sharing.
- Contributing to a positive, collaborative and high-performing team culture.
The role provides a unique opportunity to combine legal excellence, strategic influence and people leadership while working on matters of genuine public significance for NSW.
About you
You are a highly capable, experienced commercial lawyer with a strong track record of delivering practical, strategic legal advice on complex matters. You enjoy building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, leading and developing people, and delivering high-quality legal services in a fast-paced environment.
You bring:
- Significant experience in commercial and contract law, including procurements, contracts and funding arrangements.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
- Demonstrated leadership capability, including mentoring and developing legal professionals.
- Sound judgement and a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to managing legal risk.
- A commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement and excellence in client service.
This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated, experienced lawyers, eager to progress their legal careers, to join the dedicated and highly regarded teams together with significant opportunity to be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.
Essential Requirements
- Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practising Certificate.
- Extensive experience in the provision of legal services.
- Sound understanding of the processes of government and experience in provision of advice and briefing senior stakeholders.
For more information read the full Role Description Special Counsel, Commercial Law
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, including a copy of your resume (max 3 pages) and cover letter (max 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
Applications close on Monday, 07 Sept 2026 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role, please contact Lauren Bathur, Director Commercial and Property via email to
[email protected] or on 02 9373 2891.
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.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
- Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- How we encourage and support people with disability
- Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing
[email protected] or contacting Nivya Shetty on 02 9585 6607or via
[email protected] (please mention reference number 55169.
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at
[email protected] for a yarn.
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