Senior Lawyer, Workplace, Discrimination and Disputes Law Unit

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time

Salary: $113,022 - $136,747

Grade: VPS 5

Occupation: Legal

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/DE/PES/1880779

1 x ongoing role, 1 x fixed term role until 30 June 2026. An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to further progress your legal career by working in an outstanding legal team, in the Workplace, Discrimination and Disputes unit (WDD) of the Workplace and Education Law branch in the Legal Division of the Department of Education.

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 – 1 x ongoing role, 1 x fixed term role until 30 June 2026.

The WDD unit advises on and manages discrimination, human rights, employment, migration, occupational health and safety law matters and other government litigation (eg FOI and privacy). The successful candidate will have strong legal skills and an interest in managing requests for advice and litigation brought against the department.

This role encompasses a wide range of matters including managing significant, sensitive and high profile litigation in Commissions, Courts and Tribunals and briefing external firms and at times directly briefing barristers. There is also the opportunity for advocacy and appearance work, including representing the department in mediations and conciliations in the Fair Work Commission, Equal Opportunity Commissions and Department Boards.

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 How to apply ) for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.

Further Information

For more details regarding this p osition 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 Owen Cordes-Holland 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 Thursday 4th September 2025.

Applications close Thursday 4 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

21 August 2025