The Cabinet Office
Principal Legal Officer
You. At the centre of big ideas.
* Lead complex, high‑profile legal work supporting NSW’s response to a major Royal Commission and other inquiries.
* We are seeking a legal practitioner motivated by complex and high‑impact legal work in the public interest.
* Temporary 10-month, Clerk Grade 11/12 ($149,739 - $173,174) opportunity based in Martin Place, Sydney, with flexible work arrangements supported.
About the Role
As a Principal Legal Officer you will provide expert, independent, high‑quality legal advice and practical support for the NSW Government’s response to a Royal Commission, working on complex, sensitive and high‑profile matters of significant public interest. You will play a key role in responding to notices, advising on privileges and immunities, preparing witness statements, supporting hearing preparations, provision of legal advice and overseeing document review and management processes.
The role requires close collaboration across agencies and sectors, balancing legal rigour with practical judgement in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to work of statewide significance while developing deep expertise in inquiries, public law and government decision‑making under scrutiny.
You will join the Legal Branch, Office of General Counsel, The Cabinet Office. The Office of General Counsel helps the Government deliver its agenda lawfully and effectively through good governance and expert legal advice.
This role is currently available for a 10-month temporary period, with the potential to extend or be converted to ongoing.
To learn more about the role please review the Role Description.
We're Looking For
* Admission as a lawyer and holds or eligible to hold a practising certificate: Admission as a lawyer and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate. Prior experience in the areas of inquiries, Royal Commissions, litigation, public law, administrative law or information law would be beneficial.
* Litigation and Dispute Resolution: Experience or demonstrated capability in supporting litigation, dispute resolution or inquiry processes, including evidence management, preparation of legal documents, responding to notices, or supporting hearing and inquiry processes.
* Leadership: Demonstrated ability to manage and develop people, lead work streams and projects. Experience planning and coordinating complex legal work, supervising staff, managing risks and delivering outcomes within agreed timeframes.
* Communication and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, government agencies and external stakeholders in complex and sensitive environments to provide accurate, clear and comprehensive advice in short time frames.
* Professional Judgement, Integrity and Confidentiality: Demonstrated sound judgement, discretion and professionalism in handling highly sensitive, confidential and high‑risk matters, including material subject to legal professional privilege, Cabinet confidentiality and inquiry processes.
We value diverse experiences. Even if you're not sure you meet all requirements, we encourage you to apply.
Why Join Us?
* Flexible Working: Broad range of flexible working arrangements
* Career Development: Ongoing learning through expert-led sessions, online training, and professional development opportunities
* Work-Life Balance: Flex time accrual for extra hours worked, based on a 35-hour standard week
* Wellbeing Support: Access to employee assistance program, fitness passport program, and wellbeing initiatives
* Inclusive Culture: Staff-led networks including Aboriginal Staff Advisory Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Network, and Young Professionals Network
How to Apply
Click ‘Apply Online’ and submit your application including:
* A resume detailing relevant knowledge, skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
* A cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)
Closing date: Friday, 27 March 2026 (9:59 AM)
Salary: Clerk Grade 11/12. Package includes base salary ($149,739 - $173,174) plus superannuation (12%) and leave loading.
Hiring Manager: Jennifer Lim, A/Director, Royal Commission Team, via
About The Cabinet Office
Leading policy, strategy and integrity from the heart of government
The Cabinet Office (TCO) enables robust Cabinet decision-making by ensuring policies and proposals submitted for consideration are of the highest quality and in line with government priorities. Learn more about the department and a career at The Cabinet Office.
Our Commitment
We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and other diverse communities.
The Cabinet Office acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work and live. We pay respect to Ancestors and Elders past and present. We recognise and learn from the strengths of First Nations peoples of New South Wales and their continuing connection to, and unique cultural and spiritual relationship with, Country.
Additional Information
Reasonable Adjustments: The selection process will include assessment techniques to determine your suitability. You can request reasonable adjustments at any stage by indicating in pre-screening questions, contacting the Talent Team at, or reaching out to the hiring manager.
Talent Pool: A talent pool may be created from this recruitment process. If eligible, you may be contacted for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or grade that become available over an 18-month period.