Senior Lawyer, Commercial and Projects

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

Job summary

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria in Melbourne seeks a Senior Lawyer to provide clear, practical legal advice on complex commercial projects spanning roads, public transport, technology, procurement and precinct development.

You will draft with clarity, manage external advisers, and build strong client relationships while supporting knowledge sharing and delivering timely, high-quality guidance within a government context.

Qualifications

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise law in Victoria (mandatory).
• Experience advising on complex procurement, commercial contracts, transport contracts or projects, preferably in-house.
• Experience working for or advising government, with an understanding of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent, high-quality legal advice on complex, sensitive and urgent matters.
• Develop practical solutions and manage legal and commercial risk through strong drafting.
• Build and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, including managing external advisers.
• Deliver timely advice, communicate effectively, and ensure rigorous document management and knowledge sharing.

Skills

Legal drafting

Strategic thinking

Clear communication

Education

Admission to legal practice in Victoria

Job description

Department of Transport & Planning Victoria – Melbourne VIC

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.

Whatwe’relooking for

You’resomeone 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 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 Friday, 30th October 2026.

For further information about the role, please contact Isabel Tsang, Senior Legal Counsel, on 04127 18291 or 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

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