Senior Lawyer, Legislation and Government Law Unit

5 days ago


Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Victoria Full time $120,000 - $140,000 per year

About the Role

1 Position Fixed-Term until 30 June 2026

1 Position Fixed-Term until 30 June 2027

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for two experienced lawyers to further progress their legal careers by working in an outstanding team in the Legislation and Government Law unit (LGLU) of the Commercial and Legislation branch in the Legal Division of the Department of Education.

Senior Lawyers in LGLU contribute to the development, management and implementation of legislative and regulatory projects, including the creation of new and amending primary legislation, and drafting subordinate instruments, such as regulations, ministerial rders and notices. Senior Lawyers also provide legal advice with a focus on statutory interpretation, administrative law, public administration and good governance.

LGLU team members use their excellent legal drafting, legislation and legal policy expertise to support departmental corporate clients in relation to schools, early childhood education and corporate central and regional offices.

Senior Lawyers will also provide government and administrative law advice, with a focus on government decision-making, including on the internationalisation of education (such as the development and application of policies and practices, and compliance with a broad range of relevant Commonwealth and state laws, including on human rights, student welfare and wellbeing, and the provision of education to international students). This involves developing and interpreting legislation, client training and education, and assisting other areas of the division in their work on a range of matters.

About the Division

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.

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 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).

Visit for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.

About the Department

The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services.

The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems, as well as directly providing school education and 50 new early learning centres.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

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

Applicants requiring adjustments can contact the nominated contact person.

Information about the Department of Education's operations and employment conditions can be located at

For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Patrick Moffat-Stokes - Principal Lawyer and Manager, LGLU via

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 19 October 2025



  • Melbourne City Centre, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time $120,000 - $180,000 per year

    About the Role1 Position Fixed-Term until 30 June 20261 Position Fixed-Term until 30 June 2027An exceptional opportunity has arisen for two experienced lawyers to further progress their legal careers by working in an outstanding team in the Legislation and Government Law unit (LGLU) of the Commercial and Legislation branch in the Legal Division of the...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Victorian Government Full time $97,955 - $111,142 per year

    OverviewWork Type: Fixed-term - Full-timeSalary: $97,955 - $111,142Grade: VPS 4Occupation: LegalLocation: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbsReference: VDT078_ Enable IBAC to perform its integrity functions through provision of sound legal adviceMelbourne CBD with hybrid / flexible working arrangementsFull-time, fixed-term until 30/06/26, VPS 4 $97,955 -...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time

    OverviewThe 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 one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time

    OverviewThe 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 one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Victorian Government Full time $138,631 - $185,518 per year

    OverviewWork Type: Fixed-term - Full-timeSalary: $138,631 - $185,518Grade: VPS 6Occupation: LegalLocation: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbsReference: VG/1881721Provide specialist technical and strategic legal advice in the areas of law relevant to the work of the Commercial Law unit.About usThe Department of Education (department) is responsible for...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia IBAC Full time

    Enable IBAC to perform its integrity functions through provision of sound legal advice Melbourne CBD with hybrid / flexible working arrangementsFull-time, fixed-term until 30/06/26, VPS 4 $97,955 - $111,142 + superApplications close 11:59pm, Sunday 21 September 2025.Our organisationIBAC's work is vitally important to Victorians - we prevent and expose public...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia IBAC Full time $97,555 - $111,142 per year

    Enable IBAC to perform its integrity functions through provision of sound legal adviceMelbourne CBD with hybrid / flexible working arrangementsFull-time, fixed-term until 30/06/26, VPS 4 $97,955 - $111,142 + superApplications close 11:59pm, Sunday 21 September 2025.Our organisationIBAC's work is vitally important to Victorians - we prevent and expose public...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time

    About UsThe 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...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time

    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...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Victoria Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    About usThe 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...