About the role
A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Lawyer in the Workplace Discrimination and Disputes (WDD) Unit in the Workplace and Education Law Branch of the Department of Education's Legal Division.
The WDD unit advises on and manages discrimination, human rights, employment, occupational health and safety and immigration law matters and other government litigation (eg FOI and privacy).
The Lawyer is to provide specialist technical and strategic legal advice in the areas of law relevant to the WDD Unit in accordance with the department's values and objectives under the supervision of the Principal Lawyer and Managers.
The Lawyer role encompasses a wide range of matters including managing litigation in Commissions, Courts and Tribunals and briefing external firms and sometimes directly briefing barristers as well as providing advice to school principals. The role may undertake some advocacy and representation in the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission and the Merit Protection Boards.
The successful candidate will have experience in some or all of these areas of law, be able to provide high quality and fast-paced legal advice both in writing and verbally, and be motivated to work in a team environment and learn about new areas of law, including the work of a government lawyer.
The successful candidate will work with and be mentored by lawyers who are passionate about their work and genuine about supporting your career aspirations.
Employment type: Ongoing - full time VPS4 position.
Why join us?
- Challenging, purpose-based work that makes a difference - Be part of a passionate, high-performing team that helps support life-long learning in Victoria.
- 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
- 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 and families, members of the community, suppliers and government.
- Employee assistance program - For emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support
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.
How to apply:
For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. Applications should include:
- A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria (maximum of two pages); and
- A current Resume outlining your qualifications and experience
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.
For further information pertaining to the role, please contact Owen Cordes-Holland - Principal Lawyer and Manager via 03 7022 0587.
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 Thursday, 17 September 2026.
