About the Role A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Principal Lawyer for 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 matters and other government litigation (eg FOI and privacy). The Principal Lawyer will be responsible for specialist technical and strategic legal advice in the areas of law relevant to the WDD Unit and for settling and supervising the work of other lawyers in accordance with the department's values and objectives. The Principal Lawyer role encompasses a wide range of matters including managing significant, sensitive and high profile litigation in Commissions, Courts and Tribunals and briefing external firms and sometimes directly briefing barristers. The role may undertake some advocacy and representation in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court, Disciplinary Appeals Board and Merit Protection Boards as well as the Supreme Court of Victoria. This is an ongoing full-time opportunity. Why join us? * Meaningful work that is varied, satisfying and rewarding – A career as a government lawyer provides opportunities that are unrivalled by the private sector. Scale, impact and richness of work sets the public sector apart from almost every other employer. To find out more about the wide range of opportunities for bright publicly minded lawyers visit Legal profession | vic.gov.au * 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 – 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. About the Department The department provides a wide range of learning and development support and services. The department provides policy leadership, plans for the future of education in Victoria and leads key cross-sector collaboration. The department plays an important system steward role by providing support, guidance, oversight and assurance across early childhood and school education systems. How to Apply Please click the Apply Now button on this advertisement. Applications should include a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (no longer than 2 pages) and resume. Further Information For more details regarding this position please see attached position description. 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 a confidential discussion regarding the role please contact Emily Lett, Workplace and Education Law Branch Director, 03 7022 1177. 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 Monday, 18 May 2026.