Title:  Lawyer, Public Law

About us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians. 

Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and +maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all. 

We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work. 

People, Legal and Governance provides business enabling people, legal and corporate services functions, to drive a high-performance culture; timely and accessible legal advice and services; and to support integrated operations and portfolio wide programs.

DTP Legal provides legal, legislative, commercial, information access and policy advice and support to the Secretary, Department and its Ministers in the achievement of the transport and planning system’s vision, objectives and decision-making principles.

Public Law and Information Access branch within DTP Legal provides litigation support and legal advice in government decision-making, responding to inquiries and investigations, information access, planning and heritage matters, native title and First Peoples legal matters.

About the role

*This is an Ongoing Full time role*

The Lawyer works as part of a highly skilled legal team in DTP Legal, working closely with the department’s functional groups (with a particular focus on the Planning portfolio) to support the delivery of priority policy initiatives, programs and operations to the Victorian community in a way that both optimises success and minimises and mitigates risks for government.  This role is for a lawyer with some post-admission experience, working under supervision, in two or more of the following key practice areas: planning and environment law; administrative law and statutory interpretation; heritage; litigation and dispute resolution; and legislative development.

As well as providing legal support for the department’s planning functions and significant projects, you will work on a broad range of public law matters.

A focus on teamwork and a client-centric approach to service excellence is essential.  Accountabilities include the provision of strategic legal advice and litigation management.

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate clear and structured communication, strong teamwork, and the ability to adapt and contribute in a dynamic environment. Success in this role relies on the ability to collaborate effectively, stay resilient under pressure, and contribute ideas that support shared goals. We’re looking for someone who brings a proactive mindset, supports others, and communicates with purpose and clarity.

To access the Position Description, please click here

Personal Attributes

The team operates in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, so a team-oriented and proactive mindset is essential. On a personal level, the successful applicant will be curious, detail-focused, and open to learning, with a willingness to contribute to shared goals while developing their legal expertise.

Position accountabilities

We’re seeking a motivated and detail-oriented legal professional to join the Department of Transport and Planning in the role of Lawyer – Public Law. Key responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic legal advice under supervision to support the Department’s transport and planning objectives and respond to emerging or complex legal matters.
• Contribute to the management and resolution of disputes by conducting or overseeing litigation, inquiries, and investigations across multiple forums.
• Assist in procuring legal services from Victorian Government Legal Services Panel firms and members of the Victorian Bar, ensuring services are value for money and meet departmental needs.
• Build strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to deliver timely and effective legal advice.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture aligned with the Department’s values, and contribute to ongoing legal service improvements.
• Perform additional duties as required under Section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic), consistent with your classification and capabilities.

Qualifications and experience

Mandatory

• An Australian lawyer, within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate
• Demonstrated capability in providing legal advice and/or litigation management, under supervision, in two or more of the following key practice areas: planning and environment law, administrative law and statutory interpretation, litigation and dispute resolution, heritage, legislation development.

Culture Value

We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.

What we offer

Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.

For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.

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.

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.

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.

If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 15 August 2025.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. 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 Brent Hollingworth, Director, Legal - Public Law at brent.hollingworth@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information:

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