Senior Lawyer, Transport Advisory

Department of Transport and Planning; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Work life balance

Wellbeing adjustments

Job summary

Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria is seeking a Senior Lawyer, Transport Advisory to provide authoritative legal guidance on complex commercial matters, especially franchise close-out. You will support senior leaders, manage risk and external advisers, and help inform policy and commercial decisions for high-value contracting arrangements.

The role requires strong analytical skills, sound commercial judgement, and the ability to coordinate priorities across teams within a dynamic

Qualifications

• A tertiary law degree and admission or eligibility to practise as a lawyer in Victoria is mandatory.
• At least three years' post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated experience advising on complex, high-value contracts, with preference for transport, infrastructure or government work.

Responsibilities

• Provide authoritative, strategic and pragmatic legal advice on complex commercial matters.
• Support senior leaders and stakeholders to protect the State's interests and manage risk.
• Manage external advisers, monitor delivery and inform policy and commercial decisions for franchise close-out.

Education

Law degree

Admission to practice (Victoria)

Post-qualification experience (3+ years)

Job description

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 Position until 30 June 2029

The Senior Lawyer, Transport Advisory provides authoritative, strategic and pragmatic legal advice on complex commercial matters, particularly the close out of train and tram franchise agreements. The role supports senior leaders and stakeholders to protect the State's interests, manage risk and achieve value for money.

The role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail as well as sound commercial judgement, with the ability to manage competing priorities and changing demands. It involves contributing to the management of the legal work program, managing external advisers, building strong stakeholder relationships, monitoring delivery and informing policy and commercial decisions for future franchise and other high-value contracting arrangements.

What we're looking for (Selection Criteria)

• Can provide clear, practical and commercially focused legal advice, applying sound judgement to complex issues and identifying appropriate options and risks.
• Can draft effective legal and transactional documents, manage legal matters and work with external legal advisers where required.
• Communicates with impact, adapting their approach to different audiences and influencing stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships across teams, understands organisational context and responds constructively to stakeholder needs.
• Is adaptable and resilient, able to manage changing priorities, coordinate competing work and maintain focus on delivering quality outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll bring:

• A tertiary law degree, admission or eligibility to practise as a lawyer in Victoria, and at least three years' post-qualification experience (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience advising on complex, high-value contracts (mandatory), with experience in operational or end-of-term/close-out phases (highly regarded)
• Experience in litigation, dispute resolution, and/or providing legal advice in transport, construction, infrastructure or government environments, including an understanding of government-specific requirements such as Model Litigant obligations.

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 Catherine Taylor, Managing Principal Lawyer Transport Advisory 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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Perks and benefits Career & development opportunities Work life balance Wellbeing & adjustments Employment Benefits Equal opportunity, inclusion and diversity

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