Company description:

About Us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We plan, build and maintain Victoria's transport, planning and land services. We are committed to a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where our people can thrive and do meaningful work.

Job description:

About the role

The Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes provides authoritative, timely and pragmatic legal advice on complex commercial disputes across transport, planning, construction, public transport, IT, services, leasing and land matters. The role manages litigation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), external counsel and legal programs while proactively identifying and mitigating legal risk.

The role provides strategic advice to senior stakeholders, executives, governance committees and Ministers, supporting sound decision-making and business outcomes. It builds strong stakeholder relationships, ensures high-quality and best-practice legal services, monitors delivery against key milestones, and contributes to knowledge sharing, capability building and a positive, respectful team culture.

What we're looking for (Selection Criteria)

You're someone who:

- Provides expert, pragmatic legal advice and drafting, confidently navigating complex, sensitive matters while managing legal and commercial risk.
- Thinks critically and solves problems effectively, considering the broader business context to develop practical solutions and deliver strong outcomes.




- Manages litigation and dispute resolution confidently, including developing case strategies, managing evidence, negotiating outcomes and overseeing external legal providers.
- Builds trusted relationships and communicates with influence, engaging stakeholders effectively, navigating organisational and political contexts, and securing support for key outcomes.
- Is adaptable and resilient, responding constructively to changing priorities and challenges while providing frank, clear and confident advice.

Click here to access the Position Description.

Qualifications and experience

You'll bring:

- Current tertiary degree in law and admission, or eligibility for admission, to practise as a lawyer in Victoria, with a minimum of 5 years' post-qualification experience (mandatory).
- Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation and related alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in an in-house legal or private practice environment (mandatory).
- Experience in complex construction, infrastructure or service contract disputes, ideally with in-house or government legal experience and a strong understanding of government considerations, including Model Litigant obligations; experience managing external legal service providers would be advantageous.





Pre-employment checks and employment conditions

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required.

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply' button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday, 28th September 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we're unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Hubert Algie, Principal Lawyer Commercial Disputes at ••••@transport.vic.gov.au.

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager's contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy.

Key Information

If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us. We're here to support you.

📌 Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Transport and Planning
📍 Melbourne