City of Sydney

Principal Lawyer

Sydney

Legal Services/Legal Services/Legal & Governance

Full Time/Permanent

$227,676 - $257,069 per annum plus superannuation

Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city:Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision.

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.

About the role

The City of Sydney is looking for a  Principal Lawyer with extensive relevant experience (8 + years post admission) to join and lead a team of skilled and committed lawyers in providing legal advice across the organisation. The Principal Lawyer manages the team and has day to day supervision of matters, including a broad range of commercial and contractual negotiations, planning agreements, procurement advice and grants matters.

You will play a critical role in providing a variety of legal advice and support to all areas of the City’s operations including procurement, contracts, regulatory, planning, property transactions and development projects, as well local government administration and access to information.

This role provides the opportunity to join a high performing team as a senior manager, offering strategic and practical legal services to support the City’s delivery of the Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision.

We're looking for someone with:

• demonstrated experience leading diverse teams of lawyers and developing and maintaining team spirit and direction in order to maximise team effectiveness
• highly developed and effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills and an ability to develop strong relationships with a variety of clients
• demonstrated ability to provide pragmatic, expert and strategic legal and policy advice on a range of complex and sensitive matters, as well as manage or conduct litigation
• demonstrated understanding of the legislative, operational and political structure within which local councils function and an enthusiasm for and interest in local government matters and the City of Sydney
• a minimum of 8 years post-qualification experience in the provision of legal services in relevant areas of law.

The successful applicant for this role will join with two other Principal Lawyers in developing and leading the City’s legal services function under the guidance of the General Counsel.

Download position description.

This role has the option of a rostered day off each month, known as a 19-day month.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration and a criminal history check.

Applications must be submitted onlineby 11:59pm, Tuesday 12th May

For more information,contact Kirsten Morrin, Executive Director - Legal & Governance on 02 9265 9361

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

Flexible working

• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance
• Collaborative approach to flexible working
• City centre head office, with many public transport options.

Professional development

• Leadership and management development program
• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave
• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences
• Long service and employee recognition awards
• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families

• 26 weeks paid parental leave and 6 weeks paid partner leave
• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave
• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave
• Part-time and job-sharing options available
• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture

• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity, Inclusive City, Young Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network
• Recognised family inclusive workplace
• Veteran employment supporter

Find out why acareer at the City of Sydneymight be right for you.

How to apply

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two-thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women.

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, are encouraged to join us.

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us at[email protected]or 02 9265 9333.

Select ‘apply now’ to submit your resume and selection criteria.