Principal Legal Officer – Legal Strategy & Services

About the role

The Principal Legal Officer provides authoritative legal advice and strategic support within Queensland Corrective Services' Legal Strategy and Services Group. This senior position handles complex, often contentious legal matters across employment, administrative law, and human rights, ensuring the agency meets high standards of accountability and effectiveness.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver written and oral legal advice on a range of practice areas, including matters under consideration by senior leadership and the Minister.
• Prepare timely advice, reports, correspondence, and briefing notes, including statutory interpretation and law reform initiatives.
• Liaise with Crown Law and external legal service providers to coordinate legal services for QCS.
• Conduct legal research, analysis, and evaluation to ensure compliance with public sector standards.
• Supervise, mentor, and allocate work for other legal officers, monitoring delivery timeframes.
• Promote the capabilities of the Legal Strategy and Services team and support staff development on legal issues.
• Assist senior leadership in identifying trends, risks, and opportunities related to emerging legal issues affecting QCS.

Required profile

• Demonstrated expertise in employment law, administrative law, and human rights.
• Experience providing high‑level legal advice on complex and sensitive matters.
• Ability to supervise and mentor other legal officers.
• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.

Required skills