Title: Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Projects
About Us
The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.
The Operations and Commercial Branch of DTP Legal provides advice and support to divisions of the Department and portfolio agencies, in relation to commercial disputes, commercial negotiations, contract management, transport operations, public private partnerships, transport franchises, commercial projects and the integration of the Big Build assets back into our transport network. The Branch comprises a large team of lawyers with expertise in commercial and contract law, commercial negotiation, dispute management, and laws associated with multi modal transport operations, rolling stock, large scale procurement, precinct development and property transactions.
We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.
About the Role
This is a Fixed Term Position until 31 December 2027
The Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Projects reports to the Director Legal, Commercial and Projects and is responsible for providing authoritative advice on a wide range of complex legal issues associated with the delivery of a broad range of commercial projects for the department, including road construction projects, public transport infrastructure and service delivery, technology development, rolling stock maintenance procurement and precinct development.
Position Outcomes / Accountabilities
• Successfully identify, and advise on how to manage, all significant legal risks in the projects that you work on
• Effectively and efficiently manage any external advisors that you engage to ensure advice and services provided are of a high standard, reflect current best practice, mitigate risk, optimise business outcomes, are consistent and reflect value for money
• Proactively establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and clients to support delivery of DTP’s objectives
• Present annually to your branch or the whole of DTP Legal on one or more of the matters on which you have advised
• Contribute to a positive team culture by always acting with respect and courtesy to your colleagues and clients
• Ensure that legal knowledge and other documents prepared in the course of your role are safely stored in easily accessible and searchable format
• Assist as required in the delivery of other legal advice, and perform other duties and tasks as directed.
• Successfully identify, and advise on how to manage, all significant legal risks in the projects that you work on
PD link here. Principal Lawyer Commercial and Projects 2025
Key Selection Criteria
Come join the Department of Transport and Planning as a Principal Lawyer, Commercial and Projects, where you will lead and deliver high-quality legal advice on complex, urgent and sensitive matters. You will work independently with internal clients to scope and deliver legal guidance that integrates legal, policy and operational considerations, while managing risks and emerging issues.
You will draft, review and negotiate complex commercial documents, applying advanced legal knowledge and adapting or creating bespoke content to align with policy, meet project needs and minimise legal and commercial risk. Your expertise in statutory interpretation will be essential in resolving complex legal issues, using extrinsic materials and legislative frameworks to deliver robust, accurate legal solutions.
The role requires strong critical thinking to analyse issues within broader organisational and commercial contexts, proactively addressing recurring problems and embedding practical solutions that drive business outcomes. You will communicate with clarity and influence, presenting legal advice and information in a way that is logical, concise, and tailored to diverse audiences.
As a senior legal professional, you will also provide professional oversight and support to colleagues and external legal providers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality legal services. A sound understanding of the political and organisational landscape will inform your legal strategies, enabling you to respond effectively to evolving pressures and priorities. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape impactful legal outcomes across high-value projects within a dynamic public sector environment.
Qualifications and Experience
Mandatory
· Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practice law in the state of Victoria.
Desirable
· Demonstrated experience advising on complex issues relating to procurement, commercial contracts, transport contracts or projects.
· Demonstrated in-house legal experience
· Demonstrated experience working for or advising government, including awareness of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice
What we offer
· Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
· Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
· A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
· Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
· Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
· We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture
Culture Value
We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
Important Information on How to Apply
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Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 17th of June 2025.
All Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
For further information about the role please contact Sheree Siow – Director Legal – Commercial & Projects via sheree.siow@transport.vic.gov.au
Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.
