Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/PES/1871498
About us
The Department of Education (the department) is responsible for delivering and regulating state-wide learning and development services to approximately one-third of all Victorians across the early childhood and school education sectors. The department is also one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000 public service employees.
The Legal Division provides highly valued legal services to support the delivery of the department's strategic objectives, key reforms and to manage legal risk. In doing so, Legal Division provides direct, practical and strategic legal advice to portfolio ministers, the secretary, other senior staff and over 1,600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian Government school students.
About the role - fixed term until March 2026
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Principal Lawyer and Manager of the Workplace, Discrimination and Disputes (WDD) unit. The WDD unit advises on and manages discrimination, human rights and employment law matters and other government litigation.
The Principal Lawyer and Manager role encompasses a wide range of matters including managing significant, sensitive and high profile litigation in Commissions, Courts and Tribunals and briefing external firms and sometimes directly briefing barristers. The role may undertake some advocacy and representation in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court, Disciplinary Appeals Board and Merit Protection Boards as well as the Supreme Court of Victoria.
A team of lawyers directly report to the Principal Lawyer and Manager, working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. The successful candidate will be highly motivated to induct, mentor, develop, coach and supervise the legal work of more junior lawyers and assist to build their capability.
The successful candidiate will have significant and relevant experience in providing authorative legal advice in relation to government legal issues (including occupational health and safety, privacy, FOI, administrative law, Ombudsman and other inquiries).
Why join us?
How to Apply
For more information, please revie w the attached position description.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages).
For a confidential discussion regarding the role please contact Elizabeth Guarino, 03 7022 0917, Acting Director, Workplace and Education Law branch.
Visit http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/tips-for-applying for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.
Applications close 11:59pm on 15-JUL-2025.