Solicitor - LO 1 - 3 - Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

 

Solicitor

Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution

 

• Principal location – Parramatta - Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated, subject to the Flexible Working Policy
• Employment type – Ongoing – Full time (35 hours per week)
• Salary – Legal Officer – Grade I - III, Base Salary ($81,702 – $138,492), plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading

 

About the team

 

The Civil Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group performs a broad range of work, including:  

• Managing civil claims for historic child abuse involving in Youth Justice and out-of-home-care settings
• Managing other civil claims for personal injury or intentional torts for Departmental clients including Homes NSW, Court Services, Corrective Services NSW, and Child Protection and Permanency
• Representing the Secretary in proceedings brought under the Family Law (Child Abduction Convention) Regulations 1986
• Providing advice and liaising with internal stakeholders in relation to matters under the Hague Convention of Jurisdiction, Applicable Law, Enforcement and Cooperation in Respect of Parental Responsibility and Measures for the Protection of Children.

 

What you’ll do

 

In this role you will provide high quality, cost effective and client focussed legal services which contribute to the achievement of DCJ’s strategic objectives.

You will:

• Instruct panel firms in relation to civil claims against DCJ, including claims for historical child abuse; prison assault claims; claims in negligence; false imprisonment claims; malicious prosecution claims; and other personal injury claims.
• Represent DCJ in external meetings and forums including mediations and settlement conferences
• Provide strategic and commercial legal advice to internal and external stakeholders, including on current and potential litigation, to ensure compliant, quality assured, and consistent legal advice and services are delivered to and on behalf of DCJ and stakeholders in the resolution of legal issues
• Liaise with external stakeholders, including panel firms and the State’s insurer iCare
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, counsel, government agencies and other stakeholders
• Work as part of a highly experienced and supportive team of solicitors.

 

What we’re looking for

 

• A recognised law degree and eligibility to hold a practising certificate as a government legal practitioner issued by the NSW Law Society
• Current and valid Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012
• Demonstrated ability to undertake legal research, interpret legislation and prepare clear, accurate legal documents and correspondence
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and provide sound legal support
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently under supervision and adapt to changing work demands, systems and procedures

 

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 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: Wednesday, 25 November 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 Chloe Delaney at chloe.delaney@dcj.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/