Principal Legal Officer

About the role

Join a dynamic legal team supporting major infrastructure outcomes across Queensland. As a Principal Legal Officer you will provide authoritative advice on complex, high‑impact matters that shape Transport and Main Roads’ operations and projects.

Key responsibilities

• Provide well‑researched, timely, practical legal advice on complex matters including contracts, property, construction, major projects, procurement, planning, environment, disputes, litigation, administrative law and statutory interpretation.
• Negotiate, draft and settle a wide range of legal documents such as invitations to offer, contracts, deeds, memoranda of understanding and licences.
• Instruct and manage external legal service providers on behalf of Transport and Main Roads.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal clients and external stakeholders.
• Support the Directors (Legal) in managing the legal services team, setting strategic direction and overseeing the work of other legal officers.
• Ensure compliance with matter‑management, cost‑tracking and precedent database systems and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Required profile

• Qualified legal practitioner with extensive experience in commercial, construction, infrastructure and public‑sector law.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high‑impact, sensitive legal issues and provide clear, actionable advice to senior stakeholders.
• Strong negotiation and drafting skills across a variety of legal instruments.
• Experience managing external counsel and delivering results within government or large‑scale project environments.

Required skills

• Legal research and statutory interpretation
• Contract negotiation and drafting
• Litigation and dispute resolution
• Project and procurement law
• Stakeholder engagement