Senior Lawyer, Bus, Tram and Road

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 110,000; Part 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 (DTP) in Victoria seeks a fixed term, part time lawyer (0.6 FTE) to join the Bus, Tram and Road Legal team. You will provide commercially focused legal advice on transport operations and major infrastructure projects, draft and review contracts, and collaborate with legal, commercial and technical stakeholders to deliver value-for-money outcomes.

The role involves supporting strategic decision-making and building strong relationships to help achieve the

Qualifications

• Admitted lawyer in Victoria and eligible for Victoria practising certificate.
• Experience giving legal advice on contracts and major infrastructure projects.
• Experience in private practice or in-house legal environment desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercially focused legal advice on transport operations and major infrastructure projects.
• Draft and review legal documents and contracts.
• Support strategic decision-making and manage external advisors.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships to help achieve objectives.

Skills

Legal advice

Stakeholder management

Contract interpretation

Risk management

Education

Admission as a lawyer in Victoria

Victorian practising certificate eligibility

Job description

About Us

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.

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 Us

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.

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

This is a Fixed Term, Part Time Position 0.6 FTE for up to 3 Years.

Reporting to the Managing Principal Lawyer, this role provides commercially focused legal advice on transport operations and major infrastructure projects that help shape Victoria. Working within the Bus, Tram and Road Legal team, you will advise on the Metropolitan Tram Franchise Agreement, bus services contracts and matters arising under the Road Management Act 2004 (Vic).

You will collaborate with legal, commercial and technical stakeholders to resolve complex issues, manage legal risks, oversee external legal advisors and deliver value-for-money outcomes. The role also involves drafting and reviewing legal documents, supporting strategic decision-making, and building strong stakeholder relationships to help achieve the Department's objectives.

What we're looking for

You're someone who:

• Uses strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyse complex issues, identify practical solutions and deliver positive business outcomes.
• Builds trusted relationships and influences stakeholders by adapting communication styles, managing objections and aligning outcomes with business needs.
• Remains calm and decisive under pressure, demonstrating resilience when managing challenging or high-profile matters.
• Works collaboratively across teams, fostering knowledge sharing and driving outcomes through strong partnerships.
• Understands organisational and political contexts, while remaining adaptable and open to new approaches that improve results and support strategic objectives.

Qualifications and experience

You'll bring:

• Admission as a lawyer in Victoria and eligibility to hold a Victorian practising certificate (mandatory).
• Experience providing legal advice on commercial agreements, contracts and complex legal matters.
• Experience in private practice or an in-house legal environment, with exposure to major infrastructure projects, public-private partnerships (PPPs) or similar commercial arrangements (desirable).

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.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday, 4 December 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Oscar Bear, Director Legal, Road and Transport Operations, at ••••@transport.vic.gov.au .

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 fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

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.