Department: Development and Capital Projects
Department/Agency: Department of Communities and Justice
Location:
Parramatta, NSW, AU, 2150
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Req ID: 86200
Senior Solicitor
Development and Capital Projects (Homes NSW) Legal
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Location: Parramatta, with flexible working arrangements available
Employment type – TWO temporary opportunities (up to 30 June 2029 and 24 August 2028) – Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: Legal Officer – Grade 5, Base Salary ($159,035 - $162,153), plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Who we are
The Development and Capital Projects (Homes NSW) Legal team is part of the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) Legal Team. We work in partnership with Homes NSW to provide safe and secure homes for those in need in NSW. We work predominantly on large-scale property development and construction projects for new residential housing and urban renewals, with a focus on delivering new social & affordable housing in vibrant communities.
Your role
We are currently recruiting two Senior Solicitors on a temporary, full-time basis, with an initial term each of up to 30 June 2029 and 24 August 2028. As a Senior Solicitor, you will play an essential role in realising ambitious project objectives (for example, the urban renewals at Waterloo and Midtown Macquarie Park and an exciting MMC residential flat building program using ‘System 600’ kit of parts), delivering on Premier’s Priorities and implementing Ministerial policies.
As a Senior Solicitor, you will have the ability to work autonomously on your own projects as well as support the Principal Solicitors and Director Legal on key strategic projects.
It is a fabulous time to join our team given our central role in implementing the Building Homes for NSW Program – the NSW Government’s $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing, as well as Homes NSW’s implementation of the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF), as approved by Housing Australia.
What you’ll do
The Senior Solicitor will have the opportunity to work autonomously on our small-medium scale development and construction projects, providing strategic and commercial legal advice to Homes NSW across a range of areas of law. You’ll be part of exciting modern developments in construction projects, including a new MMC residential flat build program using ‘System 600’ kit of parts, as well as high-value D&C contracts using models such as AS4902 and ECI contracts. You will also support the Principal Solicitors and Director Legal on the large-scale development and construction projects and urban renewals.
You will be part of a small and dynamic legal team with scope to influence the team’s culture and development. You will be exposed to a wide range of complex and unique issues relating to project delivery agreements, building contracts, project finance, securities and leasing arrangements with community housing providers – no two days are the same.
You'll work as part of a team that is genuinely passionate about the amazing projects and outcomes we deliver for the people of NSW. You'll find a fast-paced, collegiate environment where everyone is always happy to help and work together towards the same goal. The role will be split between office and hybrid flexible working arrangements.
In particular, you will:
Provide strategic legal advice to senior leaders, project teams and stakeholders on complex and sensitive property, development and construction matters.
Prepare, review and negotiate complex legal documentation, including construction contracts (such as GC21, AS4902, and specific contracts achieving MMC outcomes), Project Delivery Agreements, sale contracts, finance arrangements, as well as reviewing supporting materials such as submissions and briefing notes.
Identify and manage emerging legal risks and providing practical, outcomes-focused solutions.
Work collaboratively with internal and external legal teams, government agencies, private developers, community housing providers and project stakeholders to support successful project outcomes.
Supervise, mentor and support the development of legal staff, contributing to a culture of professional excellence and continuous improvement.
Contribute to team strategy, planning and initiatives that enhance legal service delivery and client outcomes.
Work as part of a collaborative and high-performing legal team.
What we’re looking for
To be successful in this role, you’ll have a strong property and commercial law background, along with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to legal issues. You will be comfortable advising on commercial structures, risk allocation and management, property development and leasing. You’ll have the ability to provide strategic legal advice on complex property and development matters to support major development and construction projects.
Experience working on complex property matters is an essential requirement for this role. Experience working on development contracts or front-end construction matters, gained either in private practice or in-house, is highly desirable.
You’ll have experience working collaboratively in a team environment and will have developed stakeholder management skills. You’re confident engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders and have the ability to provide clear, practical advice.
The ideal candidate will be a mid-level lawyer (minimum 4-5 years PQE) looking to take the next step in their career. You’ll have demonstrated experience in providing clear, pragmatic legal advice and have begun developing a track record of mentoring junior staff. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, as you’ll be working closely with a range of internal and external stakeholders to build trusted, strategic relationships.
This is an excellent opportunity for a legal professional to join a dedicated and highly regarded team and be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.
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. Note that the role description sets out the general responsibilities of a Legal Officer Grade 5 in the Department of Communities and Justice. The specific requirements, responsibilities and opportunities of this Solicitor role are described in this advertisement.
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 a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements of the role as well as an up-to-date résumé (maximum 5 pages).
Applications close: Sunday, 04 October 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 Emma Stephenson 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/
