* Senior leadership opportunity (SES 1)
* Manage a dynamic inhouse legal function
* Diverse scope of legal work working across multiple sectors
* Administrative law and statutory interpretation experience essential
About the organisation
The Essential Services Commission (commission) is Victoria's independent economic regulator that exists to promote the long term interests of Victorian consumers in relation to the price, quality and reliability of essential services.
Established in 2001, the commission is led by four Commissioners and a Chief Executive Officer. The commission sets prices, enforces consumer protections, and reports on service standards and market performance across key sectors including electricity and gas, water, local government and transport. The commission also administers and regulates the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
As the state's economic regulator of essential services, its decisions affect the daily lives of every Victorian. The commission plays a critical role in shaping fair, reliable and affordable essential services, including for vulnerable Victorians who rely on these services the most.
The role
The General Counsel is a senior leader within the Governance, Legal, Operations and Engagement division (GLOE), which enables the commission's regulatory functions, providing the governance frameworks, legal expertise, corporate services, systems and engagement strategies that underpin regulatory best practice.
Reporting to the Executive Director, GLOE, the role is responsible for driving the legal strategy and delivering the legal components of the divisional plan, ensuring legal services are delivered in partnership with the organisation to support the commission's regulatory and strategic objectives.
The General Counsel leads and manages a sizeable legal team and is responsible for modelling best-practice approaches to legal services and guiding and inspiring the team to provide the high-level legal services the commission demands. The General Counsel will also implement modern legal practice management and knowledge-sharing practices and tools as needed.
The ideal candidate
The ideal candidate will be an experienced lawyer (10+ PQE) with an impressive record of leading high performing legal teams in complex, regulated or public sector environments. You bring strategic insight, sound judgment, and a practical approach to solving complex legal issues. You are comfortable operating at executive level, influencing decision making, and aligning legal strategy with organisational objectives.
You demonstrate deep expertise in administrative law and statutory interpretation. Exposure to the energy sector is beneficial but not essential.
You have experience modernising legal functions through technology, data and alternative legal service models. You are committed to developing people, fostering collaboration, and delivering legal services that are pragmatic, solutions focused and outcomes oriented.
Location: Melbourne
Applications close: Friday 31 October 2025
For a confidential discussion or to submit an application (in Word), please contact Nalini Moore on
For a copy of the PD, please email