Senior Lawyer, Commercial and Projects

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Lawyer, Commercial and Projects to provide high-quality legal guidance on complex government projects, including roads and public transport. The role collaborates with the legal team and clients to identify risks, ensure compliance and support successful outcomes.

The successful candidate will manage external advisers, build strong stakeholder relationships, deliver timely advice, and contribute to knowledge sharing while

Qualifications

• Must be admitted or eligible to practise law in Victoria.
• Experience advising on complex procurement, commercial contracts or government projects is preferred.
• Experience working with government or in-house legal teams is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, practical legal advice on complex commercial projects (roads, transport, technology, procurement).
• Manage legal risk and support successful project outcomes.
• Lead client/stakeholder relationships and coordinate external advisers for value for money.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and a positive team culture; ensure timely delivery of advice and sound document management.

Skills

Adaptability

Independent legal advice

Legal drafting

Strategic thinking

Clear communication

Education

Admission or eligibility to practise law in Victoria

Job description

Title: Senior Lawyer, Commercial and Projects

Requisition ID: 12894

Work Type: Ongoing Full Time

Fixed Term Period: Not Applicable

Location: Melbourne - CBD

Date Posted: 15 Oct 2026

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

The Senior Lawyer provides clear, practical and high-quality legal advice on complex commercial projects, including roads, public transport, technology, procurement and precinct development. The role works closely with the legal team and clients to identify and manage legal risks and support successful project outcomes.

The role also builds strong client and stakeholder relationships, manages external legal advisers to ensure quality and value for money, and contributes to knowledge sharing and a positive team culture. It requires timely delivery of advice, effective communication, sound document management and flexibility to support broader legal and business needs.

What We’re Looking For

You’re someone who:

• Is adaptable and open to new approaches, with the confidence to change direction when needed to achieve the best outcome.
• Provides independent, high-quality legal advice on complex, sensitive and urgent matters, balancing legal, policy, probity and operational considerations.
• Applies strong legal drafting skills to develop practical solutions and effectively manage legal and commercial risk.
• Thinks critically and strategically, considers the broader business context, and solves complex problems to deliver tangible outcomes.
• Communicates clearly and with impact, tailoring complex legal information and advice to different audiences.

Qualifications And Experience

• Mandatory: Admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise law in Victoria (mandatory).
• Preferable but not mandatory: Experience advising on complex procurement, commercial contracts, transport contracts or projects, preferably in an in-house legal environment.
• Preferable but not mandatory: Experience working for or advising government, with an understanding of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice.

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, 30th October 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Isabel Tsang, Senior Legal Counsel, on 04127 18291 or at [e-mail].

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.

Important information

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