Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes Specialist

2 months ago


Melbourne, Victoria, Australia State Government of Victoria, Australia Full time
About the Role

This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2026

We are seeking a skilled legal professional to join the Department of Transport and Planning as Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes. In this role, you will provide and procure high-level legal advice, manage litigation, and support complex legal drafting, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide authoritative advice on a wide range of complex legal issues, with a focus on the State's participation in cladding cost recovery litigation, associated ADR and related matters and other commercial disputes as required.
  • Deliver outstanding client service and timely, clear and pragmatic legal advice and related services.
  • Manage cases in accordance with court rules and timelines while exploring opportunities for dispute resolution.
  • Evaluate issues from multiple perspectives and deliver effective solutions within a wider business context.
  • Influence outcomes by building support for ideas and effectively communicating with stakeholders at all levels.
Requirements
  • Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practise as a lawyer in Victoria
  • Current tertiary degree in law.
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation and related ADR either in an in-house legal role or through private practice experience.
  • Demonstrated experience working on complex construction litigation and related ADR, or infrastructure or service contract-related disputes would be viewed favourably.
  • Demonstrated in-house legal experience
  • Demonstrated experience working for or advising government, including awareness of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice such as 'Model Litigant' obligations
  • Demonstrated experience managing delivery of legal services by external providers
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.

DTP Legal is a Division within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is responsible for providing legal, legislative, commercial and policy advice and support to portfolio Ministers, the Secretary, the DTP Executive and DTP in the achievement of the transport, land use and planning system vision, objectives and decision-making principles.

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.

Our People Matters Survey results consistently demonstrate that DTP Legal is a well-managed, fun and supportive team, which successfully balances providing excellent and responsive legal services with a focus on work-life balance.



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