Senior Lawyer, Commercial and Projects

Victorian Government; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Government seeks a Senior Lawyer to provide clear, practical and high-quality legal advice on complex commercial projects in Melbourne, including roads, public transport and procurement. You will manage external advisers and build strong client relationships to ensure value for money.

Admission to practice in Victoria is mandatory; government/procurement experience is preferred. You will support knowledge sharing and maintain timely, well-documented advice, contributing to a

Qualifications

• Mandatory: Admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise law in Victoria (mandatory).
• Experience advising on complex procurement, commercial contracts or projects is preferred.
• Experience with government or government-specific considerations is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality legal advice on complex commercial projects (roads, public transport, procurement, precinct development).
• Build strong client and stakeholder relationships and manage external advisers.
• Ensure timely delivery of advice and maintain robust document management.

Skills

Legal drafting

Strategic thinking

Communication

Client/stakeholder management

Education

Admission to practise law in Victoria

Tools

Legal research tools

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 12894

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

• 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.

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