Principal Lawyer, Transport Advisory

About the role 
This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2029
The Principal Lawyer, Transport Advisory provides expert legal advice on complex commercial matters, primarily on end of term matters under the Train and Tram franchise agreements. The role delivers strategic, practical and timely legal advice, manages legal risks, oversees external counsel where required, and helps shape future transport policy and high-value contracting decisions.

The role requires strong commercial judgement, analytical skills and stakeholder management to deliver high-quality, value-for-money outcomes. It also involves maintaining knowledge and records, building capability across the department, supporting organisational objectives, and contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
 

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria) 

You’re someone who: 

• Provides expert legal advice and drafting on complex, high-value commercial matters, delivering clear, practical and risk-based solutions that align with policy and project needs .
• Thinks strategically and solves complex problems, balancing legal, commercial, policy and operational considerations to deliver effective outcomes and manage legal risk.
• Builds strong relationships and influences stakeholders at all levels, communicating with credibility, negotiating effectively and fostering collaboration across teams and external partners.
• Leads the delivery of complex legal work and projects, including managing and contributing to internal governance processes.
• Adapts quickly to changing business needs and organisational priorities.
• Operates with sound judgement, resilience and integrity, understanding the political and organisational context, providing constructive advice, and upholding ethical and legal obligations in all aspects of your work.

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• Admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise as a lawyer in Victoria (mandatory), a tertiary law degree (mandatory), and a minimum of five years' post-qualification experience (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience advising on complex, high-value commercial contracts (mandatory), with experience in operational or end of term phases (including disputes) highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience working for or advising government (including an understanding of government legal obligations such as the Model Litigant principles) and providing legal advice in the transport, construction or infrastructure industries (desirable).
• Demonstrated in-house legal experience, including experience managing the delivery of legal services by external providers (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. 

How to apply 

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 
Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 17th August 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Catherine Taylor – Managing Principal Lawyer, Transport Advisory ***************@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. 

Important Information

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