Senior Lawyer

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne, Victoria, seeks a lawyer to provide high-quality legal advice across complex matters and manage litigation, disputes and negotiations. The role emphasises stakeholder engagement and effective communication to achieve positive public outcomes.

Applicants must be admitted Australian lawyers under the Victorian Legal Profession Uniform Law and have demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced public-sector environment.

Qualifications

• Admission as an Australian lawyer under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria).
• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice on complex matters with sound judgement.
• Proven capability in litigation management, disputes and enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice on complex matters with minimal supervision.
• Handle litigation, dispute resolution and negotiations, manage evidence and external briefings.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships and communicate complex information clearly.

Skills

Legal advisory

Litigation management

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Admission as Australian lawyer under the LPU Law (Victoria)

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 13304

About Us

We create thriving places andconnectedcommunities. We plan,buildandmaintainVictoria’s transport,planningand land services. We are committed to a safe,inclusiveand high-performing workplace.

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

Whatwe’relooking for

You’resomeone who:

• Interprets and applies legislation, regulations and legal principles to provide clear, practical and risk-based advice.
• Delivers high-quality legal advice, identifies options and solutions, and effectively manages complex legal issues with minimal supervision.
• Handles litigation, dispute resolution and negotiations, including managing evidence, briefing external providers and achieving timely outcomes.
• Builds and maintains strong stakeholder relationships, manages expectations and communicates complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Uses critical thinking and sound judgement to analyse issues, solve problems, collaborate across teams and focus on achieving positive outcomes for Victorians.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You’llbring:

• Admission as an Australian lawyer under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience providing legal advice on complex matters, exercising sound judgement and working with minimal supervision.
• Proven capability in litigation management across one or more key practice areas, including administrative law, statutory interpretation, dispute resolution, planning and environment law, heritage, legislation development or enforcement.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will berequired.

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.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 23 November 2026.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy

If you require any adjustments to fullyparticipatein the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us.We'rehere to support you.

Applications close Monday 23 November 2026 at 11.59pm