Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $138,631 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/DE/PES/1914472
About the role – full-time, ongoing role
The Negligence Litigation and Redress (NLR) unit manages all litigated and non-litigated negligence claims brought against the department, including personal injury and property damage claims, bullying and historical sexual abuse claims. In addition, this unit is responsible for managing the department's responses to requests for information about applications for Redress.
The Principal Lawyer provides and supervises the provision of high quality, timely legal advice to Ministers, the Secretary, Executives, managers and school principals in relation to complex, high risk or sensitive matters and legal policy work.
The Principal Lawyer will lead and manage strategically significant negligence claims and litigation brought against the department.
The role requires a strategic and highly experienced litigation lawyer with a sensitive and compassionate approach given the nature of the claims and reputational risks for the department. The sucessful candidiate will also have excellent communication, project management and stakeholder management skills.
About us
The Department of Education (the department) 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 5,000 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 1,600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian Government school students.
Why join us?
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter summarising their skills and experience (no more than two pages).
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description.
For a confidential discission, please phone Samantha Burris 03 70 22 2485, or Sabrine Daniels, 03 7008 8275, Principal Lawyer and Managers, Legal Division.
Visit http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/tips-for-applying for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.
Further Information
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.
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 www.education.vic.gov.au.
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 1 April 2026.