Solicitor - Tenancy
Inquests, Inquiries and Representation - DCJ Legal
* Principal location – Parramatta - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated.
* Employment type – Ongoing – Full time (35 hours per week)
* Salary – Legal Officer – Grade 4, Base Salary ($144,058 – $146,831), plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
Your role
This role provides high level legal and litigation advice on complex, contentious and sensitive matters, including inquests, inquiries and court proceedings. It offers the opportunity to work on significant matters of public interest, develop leadership capability through staff supervision, and contribute to high quality legal services in a collaborative and professional environment.
What you’ll do
IIR is a high functioning team which is responsible for the provision of assistance in coronial inquests and inquiries, representation of DCJ in inquiries generally, tenancy and housing related work, youth parole, and representation to witnesses appearing before investigatory bodies including the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission.
We offer very flexible work practices in a supportive work environment.
This role involves tenancy and housing, with an emphasis on matters in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal but may also include matters in the NSW Supreme Court, Australian Human Rights Commission, and Anti-Discrimination NSW.
You will report to a Principal Solicitor and be responsible for a small team of solicitors (Grade 1 – 3).
You will also:
* Provide high level legal advice and conduct litigation before Courts and Tribunals on behalf of the Department, including matters against opposing counsel
* Interpret and prepare complex legal documents, manage sensitive matters, and provide strategic advice on legal standards and practices.
* Supervise and manage direct reports to ensure delivery of quality legal services in a co-operative and efficient way
* Consult with internal and external stakeholders to provide high-quality legal services in a high-volume work environment, in accordance with instructions and timeframes
* Contribute to the development and implementation of legal standards, systems and processes for the area
* Deliver legal education and training programs to internal and external stakeholders
* Succeed as part of a specialist legal team with a strong focus on collaboration, professional excellence and knowledge sharing
What we’re looking for
* Extensive experience providing high level legal advice and litigation services in complex, contentious or sensitive matters, with the ability to exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities.
* Strong analytical, drafting and advocacy skills, including experience preparing complex legal documents, submissions, briefing notes and correspondence to a high professional standard.
* Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring or guiding legal staff, with the ability to foster a cooperative, professional and high performing team environment.
* Legal qualifications and eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a government legal practitioner issued by the NSW Law Society, with the ability to meet mandatory clearance requirements.
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.
Download the role description.
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To apply directly via the DCJ Careers site click here. Search for the job and click the ‘Apply now’ button.
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.
What We Offer
We offer a variety of benefits, including:
* A challenging and rewarding career
* Flexible 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, 15 February 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT.
Got a question?
For more information about the role or what it’s like to work for DCJ, please contact the hiring manager Katie Llewelyn at katie.llewelyn@justice.nsw.gov.au
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 lois.jebin@dcj.nsw.gov.au
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/
The Welcome Experience
Thinking about moving to regional NSW? Get free, personalised support with housing, schools, jobs, and settling in. Learn more: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
The careers site currently promotes this service on the ‘Discover roles with DCJ in regional NSW’ page.