Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career & development opportunities

Work life balance

Wellbeing & adjustments

Employment Benefits

Equal opportunity, inclusion anddivers

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria seeks a Principal Lawyer for Public Private Partnerships to provide expert, commercially focused legal advice on major transport projects. You will handle complex contracts, negotiations, disputes and operational matters, working with technical and commercial stakeholders to manage risk and support the state's transport future.

The role requires Victorian admission, 4+ years post-qualification experience, and a track record in PPPs or

Qualifications

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate.
• Minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in private practice, government or in-house with a broad range of commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert, commercially focused legal advice on major transport projects including roads, public transport assets and precinct developments.
• Draft and review complex legal documents and negotiate contracts and commercial terms.
• Manage legal risks, oversee external advisers, and resolve disputes and operational matters.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships across legal, commercial and technical teams to support Victoria's transport future.

Skills

Legal drafting

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Education

Legal Practising Certificate Victoria

Job description

Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria's transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

Are you an experienced lawyer looking to make an impact on Victoria's major transport infrastructure projects? This is a gateway opportunity to apply your legal expertise to complex, high-profile projects that help shape Victoria's future.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

About the role

Fixed Term OPPORTUNITY until November 2027

The Principal Lawyer, Public Private Partnerships provides expert, commercially focused legal advice on major transport projects, including roads, public transport assets and precinct developments. The role covers complex contracts, commercial negotiations, disputes and operational matters.

Working closely with legal, commercial and technical stakeholders, you will manage legal risks, develop practical solutions, draft and review legal documents, oversee external legal advisers and build strong professional relationships. This is a rewarding opportunity to tackle interesting legal challenges and contribute to Victoria's transport future.

What we’re looking for

You're someone who:

• Provides high-quality, independent legal advice on complex, sensitive and high-risk matters, applying sound judgement and considering broader business and operational impacts.
• Uses critical thinking and problem-solving to assess complex issues, manage risks and develop practical, commercially focused solutions.
• Builds strong stakeholder relationships, influencing and negotiating effectively to gain support and achieve outcomes across diverse groups.
• Demonstrates resilience, collaboration and adaptability, remaining decisive under pressure and bringing people together to navigate challenges and change.
• Has strong legal drafting expertise, confidently drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex legal and transactional documents while managing legal and commercial risk.

Qualifications and experience

You'll bring:

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate (Mandatory).
• A minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience (Desirable)
• Experience in private practice, government or in-house with a broad range of commercial agreements, PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably (Desirable).

Applications close at 11.59pm on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Perks and benefits

• Career & development opportunities
• Work life balance
• Wellbeing & adjustments
• Employment Benefits
• Equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity

At the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) we're shaping Victoria's future by creating thriving places and connected communities where people can live, work and prosper.

Working with our agencies and partners, we bring together transport, planning, land, precinct and policy expertise to plan, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure, services and places that keep Victoria moving.

From delivering major transport projects to planning for growing communities and creating vibrant places, our work helps people move safely, access opportunities and stay connected. Ensuring our transport network and land use system support thriving communities and a better future for all Victorians.

At the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) we're shaping Victoria's future by creating thriving places and connected communities where people can live, work and prosper.

Working with our agencies and partners, we bring together transport, planning, land, precinct and policy expertise to plan, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure, services and places that keep Victoria moving.

From delivering major transport projects to planning for growing communities and creating vibrant places, our work helps people move safely, access opportunities and stay connected. Ensuring our transport network and land use system support thriving communities and a better future for all Victorians.

At the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) we're shaping Victoria's future by creating thriving places and connected communities where people can live, work and prosper.

Working with our agencies and partners, we bring together transport, planning, land, precinct and policy expertise to plan, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure, services and places that keep Victoria moving.

From delivering major transport projects to planning for growing communities and creating vibrant places, our work helps people move safely, access opportunities and stay connected. Ensuring our transport network and land use system support thriving communities and a better future for all Victorians.