Principal Lawyer – Workplace Discrimination and Disputes Unit
About the Role: The Department of Education's Legal Division invites a Principal Lawyer to lead the Workplace Discrimination and Disputes (WDD) Unit. The successful candidate will provide specialist technical and strategic legal advice, manage complex litigation, and supervise junior legal staff across government litigation, FOI/privacy matters, and human rights issues. The role involves serving as lead counsel in courts and tribunals such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Federal Court, and the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Responsibilities
* Provide specialist legal advice on employment, occupational health and safety, human rights, discrimination and other government litigation matters.
* Lead and manage significant, sensitive, and high‐profile litigation in commissions, courts, and tribunals.
* Supervise, brief, and coordinate the work of other lawyers and external law firms.
* Represent the Department in advocacy and representation proceedings across Victoria and at the federal level.
* Ensure legal positions adhere to the Department's values and public‐sector conduct code.
Benefits
* Meaningful work that impacts the public sector and serves the community.
* Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, including part‐time, flexible start and finish times, and work‐from‐home options.
* Competitive salary with annual increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
* Diversity and inclusion commitment with a workforce that mirrors the community served.
* Supportive employee assistance program for mental and general wellbeing.
* Other benefits align with the Department of Education's employment conditions.
EEO Statement
The Department of Education 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.
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