Principal Legal Officer – Interim (6 months)

About the role

The Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) Limited is seeking an interim Principal Legal Officer to lead its legal strategy, governance and advocacy across NSW and the ACT. Reporting to the CEO and sitting on the Executive Leadership Team, you will shape the organisation’s legal direction and ensure culturally strong, high‑quality services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all legal practices, guaranteeing consistent, ethical and culturally appropriate service delivery.
• Drive policy development, law reform initiatives and strategic advocacy at State and Federal levels.
• Build and strengthen relationships with governments, courts, agencies and key justice‑sector stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop senior legal teams while fostering cross‑practice collaboration.
• Oversee governance, compliance, legal risk, budget oversight and responses to emerging legal issues.

Required profile

• Experienced legal professional committed to advancing justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Senior legal qualifications, including Practice Management accreditation and an unrestricted NSW practising certificate.
• Proven experience in criminal law, legal representation and executive‑level legal advisory.
• Strong knowledge of legal policy, law reform, governance and advocacy within the justice sector.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic insight.

Required skills

What we offer

• Purpose‑driven impact within a respected not‑for‑profit organisation.
• Competitive salary package with tax‑effective options for the charitable sector.
• Flexible working environment with hybrid/remote options and a central Redfern office.