DEECA is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Solicitor, Legislation to join our highly regarded Legislation Branch in the Legal and Legislation Division. This is an exceptional, ongoing opportunity for an experienced government lawyer seeking broader responsibility, or a lawyer in private practice looking to move in-house and work at the centre of government decision-making.

You will play a key role in developing legislation that supports some of Victoria's most significant public policy priorities, including climate action, energy transition, environmental protection, water management, agriculture, natural resources, emergency management and Aboriginal self-determination reforms.

Enjoy the benefits of an in-house government role, including flexible and hybrid working arrangements, a team-oriented culture and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing.

About the role

As a Senior Solicitor, Legislation, you will:

- Lead and support significant legislation and regulation projects.
- Provide authoritative legal and legislative advice on statutory interpretation, legislative reform proposals and legal instruments.
- Work closely with policy teams to develop high-quality, fit-for-purpose legislation.
- Draft and review legislative instructions, Cabinet submissions, ministerial briefings and parliamentary materials.
- Contribute to legal advice across DEECA's diverse portfolio.
- Mentor and support junior solicitors and legislation officers.

About you

We're interested in hearing from lawyers who bring:

- Experience in legislation development, regulatory reform, government advisory work or public law.
- Strong legal analysis, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with legal and non-legal stakeholders in a complex environment.
- A law degree and, ideally,



eligibility to hold an Australian practising certificate.

Applications from lawyers with experience in government, private practice or other sectors are encouraged.

Experience in administrative law, environment, energy, water, resources, agriculture, emergency management or related areas will be highly regarded but is not essential.

If you're looking for challenging legal work, meaningful public impact and a rewarding in-house career, we'd love to hear from you.

For a confidential discussion, please contact the Managing Principal Solicitors, Legislation, as detailed in the position description.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

- A law degree
- An Australian lawyer holding (or eligible to hold) an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) will be considered favourably but is not essential.
- Comprehensive knowledge and experience in developing and delivering legislation and regulations.
- Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice on any of the following areas of law would be highly regarded but is not essential: administrative law, agriculture, climate action, crown land and natural resource management, emergency management, energy, environment, earth resources and water.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position,



applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 24 August 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support adaptable working arrangements, including hybrid work, wide-ranging hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.

📌 Senior Solicitor, Legislation (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC
📍 Melbourne