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 [KG1] school students.

About the role - 2 x Fixed Term positions, till January 2026 and May 2026

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a lawyer to further progress their legal career working in an outstanding legal team, in the Negligence, Litigation and Redress (NLR) Unit of the Workplace and Education Law branch in the Legal Division of the Department of Education.

The purpose of this role is to strategically advise on and co-ordinate litigated and non-litigated negligence claims against the department. The Senior Lawyer - Negligence Litigation will have strong legal skills and a keen interest in managing requests for advice and litigation brought against the department with the assistance and supervision of the Principal Lawyer and Managers. The role will provide high quality, timely and practical legal advice on complex, high risk or sensitive matters, to a range of departmental clients (including Ministers, the Secretary, executives, regional directors, managers, school principals and school councils) often within short timeframes.

The role requires a strategic, decisive and experienced litigation lawyer with a sensitive and compassionate approach given the nature of the claims and reputational risks for the department.

Why 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 https://careers.vic.gov.au/why-work-for-vic 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. The department's Values underpin how we interact with colleagues, students[OP2] and families, members of the community, suppliers and government.
• Employee assistance program — For emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support

How to Apply

For more information, please review the attached position description.

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages).

For a confidential discussion regarding the role, please contact Samantha Burris 03 7022 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.

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 Tuesday 25 March, 2025.