Title:  Managing Principal Legal Adviser, First Peoples' Law

An exciting opportunity exists to act as a leader and subject-matter expert in a team of lawyers providing high profile legal advice on matters relating to First Peoples Law in Victoria, and other public law work.

The Office of the General Counsel provides legal and policy advice to the Premier and Ministers supported by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and related agencies. 

This role reports to the Special Counsel, Land Justice and Director, Public Law Team. The Managing Principal Legal Adviser, First Peoples Law will:

• Work with the Public Law Team manager, and OGC executives, manage and lead a high performing team in DPC's Office of the General Counsel.
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to provide specialist expert legal advice on legal matters to assist the Government to achieve positive outcomes for First Peoples, including land justice outcomes for Victoria’s Traditional Owners.
• Oversee members of the OGC legal team to provide specialist legal advice on the Native Title Act 1993, Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, cultural heritage matters, treaty, and related legislation and regulation.

There is a significant component of litigation management, working in consultation with other legal service providers.

This is a 12-month fixed-term VPS6 Senior Legal opportunity.

The Office is seeking a hard-working senior or managing lawyer with strong leadership, technical, policy and conceptual skills, to be part of a dynamic team of lawyers. You must be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer and hold a Victorian practising certificate.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Linda Hansen on 0438 544 166 or Alex Roberts on 0419 832 683.

For further information and key selection criteria, please see the Position Description.

The closing date for this position is Thursday, 26 March 2026.

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

How to apply:

Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:

• a resume
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within two pages)
• a copy of your Victorian practising certificate.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated. 

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.