Department: LRLS Legal IIR Inquests Inquiries & Rep
Department/Agency: Department of Communities and Justice
Location:
Parramatta, NSW, AU, 2150
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Req ID: 85611
Solicitor, Legal Officer I – III
Inquests, Inquiries and Representation
Principal location – Parramatta - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.
Employment type – Ongoing – Full time (35 hours)
Salary – Legal Officer – Grade I - III, Base Salary ($81,702 - $138,492), plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Your role
Want to do work that makes a real difference? Join the Inquests, Inquiries and Representation (IIR) team within DCJ Legal, where you will work on a broad range of interesting and meaningful matters that support the NSW Government and community.
The IIR team undertakes a unique legal practice, including assisting Coroners in coronial inquests and inquiries, representing DCJ in inquiries and other proceedings, advising and appearing for witnesses before investigatory and integrity bodies, and providing legal services across relevant areas of law and litigation matters.
As a Solicitor, you will provide high-quality legal advice, litigation and advocacy services across a varied and challenging practice. You will contribute to coronial inquests and inquiries, public law matters, court and tribunal proceedings, and other legal issues affecting government agencies and officials. You will work closely with clients across government, senior legal practitioners and Counsel on a range of complex and sensitive legal matters.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop specialist advocacy, litigation and advisory skills while gaining exposure to a broad range of legal issues across government.
We offer flexible work practices in a supportive and collaborative environment. Comprehensive on-the-job training, mentoring and professional development opportunities will be provided.
The team's work often involves engaging with vulnerable people and dealing with sensitive subject matter. Successful applicants will be supported to develop the professionalism, sound judgment and resilience required to work effectively in this environment.
What you’ll do
Reporting to a Senior Solicitor, you will:
Provide timely, accurate and practical legal advice across a range of complex and sensitive matters.
Assist with and conduct litigation, advocacy and inquiry matters, including coronial proceedings, investigations, and court and tribunal proceedings.
Prepare a range of legal documents, including submissions, witness statements, court documents, briefing notes, correspondence and reports.
Conduct legal research and analyse factual and legal issues to inform advice, decision-making and litigation strategy.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with government clients, stakeholders, Counsel and external legal service providers.
Manage a varied caseload and deliver high-quality, client-focused legal services in a fast-paced environment.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies, professional obligations and DCJ practice standards.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and foster a positive, collaborative team culture.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking motivated solicitors with strong legal, analytical and interpersonal skills and an interest in litigation, inquiries, investigations and advocacy.
You will demonstrate:
Sound legal research, analytical and problem-solving skills.
The ability to provide clear, practical and accurate legal advice.
Strong written communication and drafting skills, including the ability to prepare court documents, legal advice, briefing notes and submissions.
Well-developed interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with a broad range of clients, witnesses and members of the community.
Strong organisational skills and the capacity to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Sound judgment, professionalism and resilience when dealing with sensitive and complex matters.
An ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a supportive team environment.
Essential requirements
Legal qualifications and eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a Government Legal Practitioner issued by the Law Society of NSW.
Other
This role may require the ability to undertake travel for regional court and other commitments subject to the application of any anti-discrimination legislation (including in respect of carer’s responsibilities).
Appointments are subject to reference checks. Some roles may also require the following checks/ clearances:
National Criminal History Record Check in accordance with the Disability Inclusion Act 2014
Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
We focus on hiring people who share our commitment and goals of inclusion, collaboration, adaptability, courage and integrity. If you meet the essential requirements and the role resonates with you, please apply – you do not need to meet every desired requirement for us to want to talk to you.
Download the role description.
To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
A challenging and rewarding career
Flexible, autonomous work environment
Competitive pay and conditions
Training and development opportunities to build and maintain capabilities
Health & Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs.
Want more information? Visit our website to see more information on Working for us.
We do work that really matters
Working for the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) provides lots of opportunities to make a real difference. We collaborate with other agencies and community partners, to improve lives and realise the potential of children, adults, families and communities. We're focused on breaking, rather than managing, disadvantage. It’s work that really matters.
Apply now and join Australia’s top public sector employer where we will support you and provide an exciting and flexible working environment!
Are you ready to join us?
Click apply, attach an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 3 pages) addressing the 2 targeted questions below, together with a brief outline on how you meet the requirements of the role:
Targeted Question 1: Describe a legal matter in which you analysed complex factual and legal issues and prepared written advice, submissions, correspondence or other legal documents. Outline your approach, including how you identified the key issues and ensured the accuracy and quality of your work.
Targeted Question 2: Describe an occasion where you demonstrated initiative and sound judgment in resolving a legal issue or managing a legal matter. What was your role, what actions did you take, how did you approach any challenges and what was the outcome?
Applications close: Sunday, 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm AEST.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Vivian Wei at
[email protected]
If you’ve got a question about applying or would benefit from an adjustment in the recruitment process to help you perform at your best (including an alternate method submission of the application), please contact Lois Jebin at
[email protected]
Visit Recruitment adjustments on the DCJ website to learn more.
Inclusion and Diversity lies at the heart of how we recruit
We continue to hire great people with a wide variety of skills, experience and backgrounds. This includes people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people identifying as LGBTIQ+, culturally and linguistically diverse people, carers and other diversity groups.
To find out what DCJ are doing to build an inclusive and diverse workforce, visit Inclusion and diversity on the DCJ website.
Other Information
A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
For more information visit Applying for DCJ jobs on the DCJ website.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
To keep up with recruitment opportunities at DCJ, follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CareersatDCJ/
