Senior Lawyer

- Full time, fixed term opportunity until 25/10/2026
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung / Melbourne CBD based role (hybrid – 3 days in office)

About the role

The OHS & Operational Support Unit sits within the Health and Safety Legal (HSL) team, and provides end-to-end legal support in the development and operationalisation of occupational health and safety (OHS) law and policy. The Unit provides timely legal advice to operational staff, provides legal advice to WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Business Unit (HSBU) on the operational implications of legislative and policy decisions, assists in responding to stakeholder inquiries about matters of legal or operational policy, assists in developing and delivering training for operational staff, and provides legal advice on the development of internal and external guidance documents.

This role is primarily accountable for providing legal advice to support health and safety compliance and enforcement operations within the field inspectorate and, from time to time, other parts of HSBU. The position may also be responsible for managing litigation matters in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Coroners Court of Victoria, as required by the team.

Key accountabilities

- Provide strategic and timely expert oral and written advice on complex legal issues.
- Supervise the work performed by junior lawyers and paralegals in relation matters under the Senior Lawyer’s control.
- Assist in the formulation, development and implementation of guidelines, policies and strategies across WorkSafe’s Health and Safety Business Unit, particularly as relevant to field inspectors, as required.
- Identify and propose legislative, procedural or internal policy reform where required.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships with the key internal and external stakeholders. The incumbent must manage constructive relationships in a sensitive environment.
- Treat victims and persons adversely affected by crime with courtesy, respect and dignity, including to provide them with timely information, assistance and support in accordance with the Victims’ Charter Act 2006.

The role will be expected to be flexible in supporting other projects within the HSL team and the Legal & Governance Division, depending on business priorities. It may also occasionally involve being “on call” to provide support after hours and over weekends.

You are a practicing lawyer with experience in regulatory compliance and enforcement. Your communication and organisational skills are highly developed. You have experience in dealing with a wide range of stakeholders, and can be empathetic toward your stakeholders during robust and sometimes challenging conversations. You also possess the following skills and experience:

- Demonstrated specialist knowledge of criminal law, evidence and procedures.
- Experience in the field of occupational health and safety legislation and administrative law is desirable.
- Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice in a compliance and enforcement context.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of a highly motivated, multidisciplinary team, to meet timelines and effectively manage varying and complex workloads.
- Working independently as a specialist or directly managing a smaller number of staff consisting of subordinate supervisors or team leaders (i.e. a sub-function or small area) to meet specific output measures.
- Tertiary qualifications and admission to practice as an Australian lawyer with at least five years post admission experience.

Working with us

At WorkSafe, our goal is for every employee to feel connected, safe, and valued within their team, for teams to feel appreciated in the workplace, and for WorkSafe to be respected in the community.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for delivering the best outcomes for the Victorian community. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals, including First Nations people, people with disabilities, those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and individuals of all sexualities and genders.

What’s next?

Applications close 11:00pm Tuesday 11 November 2025. Click the link to apply, and join us in making a difference to Victorian lives.

Only applications submitted via the WorkSafe Careers website will be considered.

Preferred candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and/or other checks as required for the position as part of the recruitment process.

Eligibility for ongoing employment with WorkSafe Victoria requires Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Due to the volume of applications received, individualised feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to interview stage.

For further enquiries please contact Bianca Stojanovski via email bianca_stojanovski@worksafe.vic.gov.au

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