About us
The Essential Services Commission is Victoria's independent economic regulator of essential services supplied by a range of industries. The commission's functions include:
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making regulatory decisions with respect to prescribed industries (including price determinations, licensing, customer protection and access disputes).
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undertaking reviews and providing advice to Ministers on a range of economic and regulatory matters.
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administering the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
About the role
Join a high performing in-house legal team doing varied, high impact work for Victoria's economic regulator. The Legal Counsel plays a key role in the in-house Legal team within the Governance, Legal, Operations and Engagement division, providing accurate, timely and pragmatic legal advice across the breadth of the commission's regulatory work.
This is a busy in-house environment where a lot happens and no two days are the same. One day you may be preparing detailed advice to support enforcement action, the next you may be reviewing the accuracy of guidance materials for a pricing determination, and another day you may be instructing external counsel at a hearing. You will bring your expertise and a collaborative approach to supporting the work of the commission.
This role provides the opportunity to develop your skills, work collaboratively across the organisation, and contribute to outcomes that support fair, reliable and accessible essential services for Victorian consumers. This is a full time, ongoing position. The work location is 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, with hybrid work arrangements available.
Key accountabilities
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Provide legal advice to the commission across Energy, Water, the Port of Melbourne, local councils and the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
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Understand the commission's strategy and objectives and clearly communicate the risks and legal issues in any decision.
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Undertake legal review of commission and committee papers, publications and legal instruments.
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Support the Principal Lawyers and General Counsel, including ensuring the commission's functions, policies and procedures are consistent with legislative and government requirements.
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Assist in coordinating the use of external legal counsel and building strategic relationships across industry, government and the profession.
Please refer to the attachedPosition Description for the principal functions and key selection criteria.
Applications are due to close at 11:59PM on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
How to apply
Click the 'apply now' button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
All applications should include:
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a resume; and
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a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria, highlighting your skills and relevant experience in relation to the role.
For further information about the role, please contact
Alex Murphy, General Counsel at
[email protected].
Our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace
Be part of a highly respected and professional organisation that allows you to apply your knowledge while supporting flexible working arrangements that allow you to balance work and life. You'll be working in a dynamic and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer with inclusive leaders committed to driving a workplace culture that prioritises equity, safety, respect, and flexibility for all staff. We uphold the principles of Aboriginal self-determination in caring for our community.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any age, gender identity, parental/carer status, ability, religion, or cultural backgrounds.
If you require any adjustments to equitably participate in the recruitment process, or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please contact
[email protected] for support.
Other relevant information
Applicants must have corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period to be appointed to this role. Ongoing positions are only available to Australian/New Zealand citizens or Australian Permanent Residents.
Preferred applicants are required to undergo mandatory pre-employment screening, which includes a national criminal history check, right to work verification, qualification checks, statutory declaration disclosing any previous misconduct investigations and declaration of private interests.
