Job Description
Overview
Work type: Full Time - Fixed Term
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPSG6
Occupation: Legal
Location: CBD
Reference: 6861
About the Role
Full time – 12 months
Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts the role of the Principal Lawyer is to provide, and manage the provision of, authoritative advice on a wide range of legal issues, with a focus on the commercial and operational matters primarily arising out of the five Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) managed by the Commercial Advisory division (Southern Cross Station PPP; CityLink; EastLink; Peninsula Link and the Western Roads Upgrade).
To access the position description, please click link here.
Position Outcomes
Provide high quality, authoritative and pragmatic legal advice on a wide range of legal and commercial matters relating to the PPPs managed by the Commercial Contracts team, including in relation to contract law, statutory interpretation, land-related matters, major project interfaces, construction and general commercial law.
Prepare and review a range of legal documentation, including advice, correspondence, contractual notices and contracts, variations to such documents (including Concession Deed amendments), Ministerial briefs and cabinet submissions.
Develop and review legislative and regulatory proposals and prepare associated briefing submissions in relation to legislative amendments and related matters.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including DTP staff, the private road operators, interdepartmental staff and other Government agencies.
Identify and advise the Commercial Contracts and DTP Legal teams on new legal developments and emerging risks.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
The ideal candidate for the Principal Lawyer, Commercial Contracts position will demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management skills by proactively adding value for clients and stakeholders, addressing issues constructively, and ensuring ongoing satisfaction. They will possess strong influence and persuasion abilities, tailoring their communication to diverse audiences and effectively managing objections. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be key strengths, enabling them to resolve issues through deep analysis of guidelines and collaborative efforts when necessary. The candidate will be flexible and adaptable, able to embrace changing priorities with ease and work collaboratively across teams. A self-aware individual, they will understand their emotional responses in professional settings, leveraging feedback to continuously improve their personal and team contributions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Mandatory
Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria
Desirable
A minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience
Experience in private practice and in-house with a broad range of commercial
agreements and PPPs would be viewed favourably
Previous experience with Victorian State Government processes and systems is advantageous but not essential
What we offer
Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture
Culture Value
We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
How to Apply
Non-DTP Employees (Including VPS outside of DTP)
Create an account by clicking the ‘Apply’ button and follow the prompts. For help, click here for Quick Reference Guide.
Applications close at 11:5+PM on Sunday 27 April 2026.
Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications.
For more information, contact Martin John, Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts via [email protected]
Preferred applicants will need to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Your information will be treated confidentially.
If you require additional adjustments across the recruitment process or accessible formats of this ad, please contact us by phone or email.
Applications close Sunday 27 April 2026 at 11.5+PM
Posted 17 April 2026
Work type: Full Time - Fixed Term
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPSG6
Occupation: Legal
Location: CBD
Reference: 6861
About the Role
Full time – 12 months
Reporting to the Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts the role of the Principal Lawyer is to provide, and manage the provision of, authoritative advice on a wide range of legal issues, with a focus on the commercial and operational matters primarily arising out of the five Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) managed by the Commercial Advisory division (Southern Cross Station PPP; CityLink; EastLink; Peninsula Link and the Western Roads Upgrade).
To access the position description, please click link here.
Position Outcomes
Provide high quality, authoritative and pragmatic legal advice on a wide range of legal and commercial matters relating to the PPPs managed by the Commercial Contracts team, including in relation to contract law, statutory interpretation, land-related matters, major project interfaces, construction and general commercial law.
Prepare and review a range of legal documentation, including advice, correspondence, contractual notices and contracts, variations to such documents (including Concession Deed amendments), Ministerial briefs and cabinet submissions.
Develop and review legislative and regulatory proposals and prepare associated briefing submissions in relation to legislative amendments and related matters.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including DTP staff, the private road operators, interdepartmental staff and other Government agencies.
Identify and advise the Commercial Contracts and DTP Legal teams on new legal developments and emerging risks.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
The ideal candidate for the Principal Lawyer, Commercial Contracts position will demonstrate exceptional stakeholder management skills by proactively adding value for clients and stakeholders, addressing issues constructively, and ensuring ongoing satisfaction. They will possess strong influence and persuasion abilities, tailoring their communication to diverse audiences and effectively managing objections. Critical thinking and problem-solving will be key strengths, enabling them to resolve issues through deep analysis of guidelines and collaborative efforts when necessary. The candidate will be flexible and adaptable, able to embrace changing priorities with ease and work collaboratively across teams. A self-aware individual, they will understand their emotional responses in professional settings, leveraging feedback to continuously improve their personal and team contributions.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
Mandatory
Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria
Desirable
A minimum of 4 years post-qualification experience
Experience in private practice and in-house with a broad range of commercial
agreements and PPPs would be viewed favourably
Previous experience with Victorian State Government processes and systems is advantageous but not essential
What we offer
Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture
Culture Value
We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
How to Apply
Non-DTP Employees (Including VPS outside of DTP)
Create an account by clicking the ‘Apply’ button and follow the prompts. For help, click here for Quick Reference Guide.
Applications close at 11:5+PM on Sunday 27 April 2026.
Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications.
For more information, contact Martin John, Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Contracts via [email protected]
Preferred applicants will need to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Your information will be treated confidentially.
If you require additional adjustments across the recruitment process or accessible formats of this ad, please contact us by phone or email.
Applications close Sunday 27 April 2026 at 11.5+PM
Posted 17 April 2026
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Principal Lawyer, Commercial Contracts position is now open for candidates interested in the Legal Jobs sector. This role in Victory Valley offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Legal Jobs is a plus.
