Senior Lawyer, Legislation and Government Law Unit

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to further progress their legal career 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.

Ongoing, full time opportunity.

About us

The Department of Education 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 5000 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 1600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian government school students.

About the role 

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced lawyer to further progress their legal career 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 Orders, 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, legal policy and legislation expertise to support departmental corporate clients in relation to schools, early childhood education and corporate central/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.

W hy join us?

• Be part of a passionate, high-performing team –  Legal Division is proud to be a 2023 finalist of the Australian Law Awards ‘In-house team of the year'.
• 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 available.
• 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. DE's Values underpin how we interact with colleagues, learners and families, members of the community, suppliers and Government.
• Employee assistance program — for emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support.