Executive Director Litigation

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Senior executive position leading the litigation division
• Permanent opportunity | SEB2 level
• Parramatta and Sydney CBD office location preferred, hybrid working supported
• TRP commencing from $310,155 negotiable based on skills and experience

Our Governance and Legal team is seeking an experienced Executive Director, Litigation to join our senior executive team. The Executive Director, Litigation leads the dispute and issues resolution functions of Legal Services on behalf of the department and cluster entities, including civil litigation and criminal enforcement. The role supports the department and cluster agencies to manage litigation risk and provides expert legal advice to help deliver strategic priorities in line with NSW Government and department objectives.

You are a strategic, outcomes-focused litigation leader with a strong track record running complex, high-profile proceedings and delivering practical solutions in a fast-paced environment. You bring outstanding judgement and technical capability across civil litigation and regulatory enforcement, and you are confident briefing and instructing counsel, managing sensitive legal risk, and shaping litigation strategy that supports organisational objectives. You build trusted relationships through clear, timely advice and a collaborative approach.

You have proven familiarity with practice and procedure in the Supreme Court of NSW and the Land and Environment Court, and you are an exceptional communicator and advocate who can tailor advice and courtroom strategy for senior executives and the Minister. As an inclusive and resilient people leader, you can manage and develop a large, busy team through competing priorities, allocating resources effectively, maintaining high professional standards, and building strong partnerships across the department and cluster entities.

• Degree in law and qualifications for admission as a solicitor or barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW
• Hold, or be eligible for, a NSW practising certificate
• Extensive relevant legal advisory and litigation leadership (commensurate with Special Counsel or Junior Partner level in a firm) and substantial executive management experience.

For more information read the full Role Description: Executive Director Litigation

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.

DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.

DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and interests, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your application, including a copy of your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Please note: to be eligible to apply for this position, you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working visa for the duration of the appointment. 

Should you require further information about the role please contact Joe Karsay via joe@johnsonpartners.co or on 0481 968 266.

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting Michael Brown on 0418 696 254 (please mention reference number 550211).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn. 

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Advertised: 12 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 31 May 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time

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