Legal Counsel

An exciting opportunity to join our team and play an important role in the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership (Academy).

This is a Full Time, Fixed Term position commencing 1 January 2026 to 30 June 2026.

At the Academy, we are passionate about meaningful and exciting work that has an impact on education and student outcomes. Our shared purpose is to create and offer evidence-informed professional learning programs, events and initiatives designed to take Victoria's highly skilled teachers and school leaders from great to exceptional and advance the quality and status of teaching and school leadership.

We care about the quality of our work, demonstrate collective responsibility for continuous improvement and support each other to do the very best we can every day to achieve our goals.

The Academy is a learning organisation that provides opportunities for employees to grow. We have a positive culture that we are building together, where people feel supported, valued and heard.

About the Division

The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Academy Board and the Department of Education Secretary leading the Academy to achieve its objectives, functions and related outputs.

The Office of the Chief Executive Officer coordinates the Academy's Executive Leadership Team, supporting teams across all Divisions. The office provides Board Secretariat services, stakeholder engagement, legal support for Academy activities and support for priority IT initiatives.

About the Role

As Legal Counsel, you will have significant experience in a broad range of legal matters, including executive legal advice and a solid understanding of the Victorian Government legal requirements. The Legal Counsel acts as a trusted advisor in all Academy legal matters, as well as providing front end transaction legal support, ensuring strategic alignment and compliance with policies, processes and systems in a range of areas including:

• governance
• compliance and legislative accountabilities
• contract development and negotiations
• case management
• implementation of legal policies and processes
• research and analysis of the current and future legal domain.

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate strong understanding and skills in the principles and practice of commercial law including (but not limited to):

• advising across a broad range of general commercial contracting and dispute resolution
• drafting and negotiating commercial documents including services (including e-services) and goods contracts, IP Licences, MOUs, and general commercial agreements/deeds
• having a strong understanding of Victorian Government procurement processes and documents, IP law, and privacy and data protection laws of Australia and Victoria.

Capabilities

Do you have deep experience in corporate and/or contract legal matters in Victoria? You must possess the ability to ensure the governance, compliance and legislative requirements of the functions of the Academy, including understanding and applying the organisational structure, purpose and strategy to the legal environment/requirements. You will have the experience, knowledge and application of the legislative requirements of the Department and application to the Academy as a statutory authority. You will also be able to liaise with executive leaders, stakeholders at many levels both internal and external, and deal with sensitive information and issues with discretion and confidentiality.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant university qualification in law and a current practising certificate and admitted to practice law in Victoria are essential
• A minimum of 5 years of post-admission experience is essential

Further Information

Please respond by submitting a cover letter, supported by a maximum 2-page response to the key selection criteria and a recent CV/Resume.

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.

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 Peter Saffin, Chief Operating Officer via or

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 Wednesday 10 September 2025.