Principal Lawyer

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

Two Full-Time, Ongoing Positions available

Job Location: 1 Spring Street, Melbourne

The Principal Lawyer provides expert legal advice and leadership across a broad range of public law matters, including administrative law, litigation, land acquisition and compensation, town planning, inquiries and First Peoples legal matters. Reporting to the Director Legal, the role delivers authoritative advice on complex legal issues, supports transport and planning objectives, and manages or oversees litigation, investigations and dispute resolution.

The role leads and mentors junior lawyers, supports the development of legal capability across the branch and promotes a collaborative, inclusive team culture. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, the Principal Lawyer ensures the delivery of timely, practical and high-quality legal advice while contributing to effective legal service delivery across the Department.
 

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria) 

You’re someone who: 

• Provides expert legal advice on complex and sensitive matters, applying strong judgement, statutory interpretation skills and a practical, risk-based approach to achieve effective outcomes.
• Leads and supports others, fostering a positive, inclusive and high-performing team culture while mentoring and developing legal capability.
• Influences and communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders, tailoring your approach to build trust, gain support and achieve positive outcomes.
• Thinks critically and strategically, identifying root causes of issues, developing sustainable solutions and delivering tangible business results.
• Demonstrates resilience, adaptability and collaboration, building strong relationships and maintaining high-quality outcomes in a dynamic and complex environment.

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• Admission as an Australian lawyer under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate (mandatory).
• At least 5 years' post-admission experience providing legal advice and managing complex litigation and dispute resolution matters, with strong expertise in administrative law and statutory interpretation (mandatory).
• Demonstrated experience in at least two of the following areas of law: valuation of land, land acquisition and compensation, town planning, inquiries, or First Peoples legal matters (mandatory). 

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 Sunday, 23rd of 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 Alanna Vivian, Director Legal, Public Law 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. 

Important Information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.