Legal Officer, Legislation and Government Law Unit

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 – Ongoing, Full Time

A rare ongoing opportunity has arisen for a Legal Officer to work in the Legislation and Government Law Unit (LGLU), located in the Commercial and Legislation Law (CAL) branch of the Department of Education's Legal Division.

LGLU provides advice and manages projects in relation to all aspects of the department's legislative and regulatory agenda, provides governance advice in relation to all aspects of the department's operations and supports the department's response to innovative policy initiatives. Work undertaken includes technical and complex legal analysis, legal advice, legislative drafting, legal policy, project management and effective stakeholder engagement.

The primary responsibility of this role is to support the work of the LGLU including the development, management and implementation of legislative and regulatory projects, such as the creation of new and amending primary legislation, and drafting subordinate instruments, such as regulations, orders and notices.

It is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to advance their legal career and obtain valuable experience working in an in-house government legal practice.

The role is open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree of Laws (or equivalent) or those who will complete a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in 2025.

Why join us?

• Challenging, purpose-based work that makes a difference - Be part of a passionate, high-performing team that helps support life-long learning in Victoria.
• 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 https://careers.vic.gov.au/why-work-for-vic to find out more about careers in the public service and the range of careers
• 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 Apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. For a confidential discussion please phone Patrick Moffat-Stokes, Principal Lawyer and Manager, LGLU on 7022 5859.

Visit http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/tips-for-applying for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.

Further Information

The department values diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information about our work, working for the Department, diversity and inclusion, and our employment conditions visit the Department website and our Diversity and Inclusion page. Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at www.education.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 Education will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know via phone or email if you require any adjustments to ensure your full participation in the recruitment process or if you need the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g large print) due to any viewing difficulties or other accessibility requirements.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 29th September 2025.

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