Principal Lawyer, Legislation and Government Law Unit

Job title: Principal Lawyer, Legislation and Government Law Unit

Company: State Government of Victoria


Job description: About usThe 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 – Ongoing, Full-timeThe Principal Lawyer, Legislation and Government Law Unit (LGLU) will lead the delivery of major legislative and regulatory projects and provide expert legal advice with a focus on government law issues, particularly the application of Victorian laws in relation to government administration and the education and training system.The role requires a high degree of collaboration with the Principal Lawyers and Managers of the division, particularly in the LGLU team.The role will report to the Director of the Commercial and Legislation branch but be allocated work by the co-Principal Lawyers and Managers, LGLU. The role will support the Legal Division Executive in relation to strategic, business and human resources functions for the whole Legal Division, including to achieve division priorities. The successful candidate will assist to develop and maintain systems, collect data, report, analyse and evaluate complex matters to achieve the objectives of the Legal Division, and to inform departmental policy and resource management.The successful candidate will:

• develop, manage and implement major legislative and regulatory projects;
• initiate, drive and contribute to innovative policy projects and reforms to improve department practice in key areas of legal risk;
• have strong specialist knowledge and experience in legal drafting, law reform, and primary and subordinate legislation processes;
• identify and respond to emerging issues in the management and development of legislative and regulatory projects;
• require the capacity to prioritise matters and provide urgent advice where necessary, including on complex and sensitive issues;
• promote and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within the department and the portfolio, and across government.

Why join us?

• Be part of a passionate, high-performing team – Legal Division is proud to be a 2023 finalist of the Australian Law Awards ‘In-house team of the year’.
• Meaningful work that is varied, satisfying and rewarding – As part of a career in the public sector you can help shape Victoria’s future, serve the community and follow your ambition. Visit

to find out more about careers in the public service and the available. * Flexible and hybrid working arrangements — Part time, flexible start and finish times, work from home to help manage your work and personal commitments.

• Competitive salary – Bi-annual salary increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement
• Diversity and inclusion – As one of Victoria’s largest employers, the department is committed to creating an organisation that is inclusive and ensuring it has a workforce that represents the community it serves.
• Values – The department has adopted the public sector values which are set out in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, which are Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department’s Values underpin how we interact with colleagues, students and families, members of the community, suppliers and government.
• Employee assistance program — For emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support.

How to ApplyFor more information, please review the attached position description, or for a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Burton Reynolds, Director, Commercial and Legislation branch, 03 7022 0952.Application documents requiredApplicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages).Visit for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.Applications close 11:59pm on 10-Mar-2025.Job detailsJob Reference: VG/DE/PES/1846631
Location: Melbourne – CBD
Work Type: Ongoing – full time
Job Function: Legal
Classification: VPSG6
Salary Range: $134,593 – $180,115
Job Duration: N/A
Date posted: 24-Feb-2025
Application Close Date: 10-Mar-2025
Attachments: (PDF, 216KB)
Position DescriptionContact:Burton Reynolds03 7022 0952

Expected salary: $134593 – 180115 per year

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Job date: Wed, 26 Feb 2025 04:22:40 GMT

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