Senior Solicitor

Manage complex matters, identify legal risk early, and prepare briefings and correspondence for senior executives and the Minister.

Role Status:

Full time term vacancy until 9 April 2027

Remuneration:

$118,529 - $129,582

Employer contribution of 12% towards your superannuation.>

Role Details: Step into the Senior Solicitor role within Legal Services in Adelaide and be a trusted adviser on critical child protection decisions. You will advise leaders on urgent, complex matters, guide practitioners on the ground, and assess legal risk when it matters most. With scope to mentor solicitors, shape policy and improve systems, your work will be visible, valued and meaningful. If you thrive on complexity, sound judgement and purpose, you will find both challenge and impact here.

In this role, you will

Provide timely written and verbal legal advice on complex and sensitive matters

Advise executives and senior leaders on strategic, policy and operational issues

Identify legal risk and recommend practical actions to manage exposure

Prepare high quality briefings, correspondence and legal documentation

Liaise with the Crown Solicitor's Office and coordinate legal instructions

Supervise and support solicitors, building capability and consistent practice

To be successful You bring significant experience as a legal practitioner, with a track record of consistently providing clear, timely advice in complex and sensitive matters. You can supervise and support less experienced practitioners, set expectations, and help build capability across a legal team.

You have strong expertise in identifying and assessing legal risk, drafting substantial legal documents, and advising on public and administrative law. You can work autonomously, make sound decisions under pressure, and communicate confidently with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.

You are calm, professional and collaborative, with strong judgement and discretion. You build trusted relationships, support safe and inclusive workplaces, and model respectful practice when working with practitioners and executives. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Why you'll love it here, DCP benefits that matter We know a great career is about more than the work you do. It is also about feeling supported, valued, and able to thrive. At DCP, you will enjoy:

A collaborative team environment, working alongside people committed to best practice and meaningful impact

Flexible work options, tailored arrangements to help you balance work and life

Recognition and growth, celebrating achievements and supporting development opportunities across DCP

Generous leave, including leave loading to help you rest and recharge

Paid parental and partner leave, providing additional paid time to support you and your family

Health and fitness perks, including discounted Fitness Passport memberships and free flu vaccinations

Wellbeing support, confidential Employee Assistance Program services for you and your family

About the Business The Department for Child Protection (DCP) plays a key role in the protection of children, young people and their families within South Australia. The department provides support to vulnerable children and young people to be safe, strong and connected.

Special Conditions Essential:

Admitted as a legal practitioner in the Supreme Court of South Australia

To find out more about this role, including the key selection criteria and special conditions, please click on the 'apply' button.

Enquiries Nicole Lancaster - Manager, Legal Services on email: Nicole.Lancaster@sa.gov.au

The department values an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and strongly encourages applications from people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people with disability, and people from the LGBTQI+ community.

To apply for this role, please click the 'apply' button to be re-directed to the DCP Career Portal.

Applications Close:

12 February 2026 11:00 PM

#J-18808-Ljbffr