Senior Lawyer, Heavy Rail

About the role 
The Senior Lawyer, Heavy Rail works with the Managing Principal Lawyer and other lawyers in the Heavy Rail legal team to provide commercially focused legal advice on major heavy rail contracts, including contracts for transport operations and major infrastructure projects. The role supports high-value, complex matters across contract management, construction, land, dispute resolution, and commercial law while helping deliver strategic outcomes for the State.

The role involves building strong stakeholder relationships, managing external legal advisers, drafting and reviewing legal documents, identifying emerging legal risks, and providing practical advice that supports informed decision-making, value for money, and the successful delivery of major transport projects. 

What we’re looking for (Selection Criteria) 

You’re someone who: 

• Thinks critically to solve complex legal and commercial issues, delivering practical, value-driven outcomes while identifying opportunities for long-term improvement.
• Builds strong collaborative relationships, influences stakeholders effectively, and adapts communication to achieve positive outcomes across diverse audiences.
• Remains calm, decisive, and adaptable under pressure, adjusting strategies when needed to deliver the best results in a changing environment.
• Understands organisational and political contexts, using this insight to support informed decision-making and strategic priorities.
• Provides high-quality legal advice and drafting with minimal supervision, effectively managing external legal providers and delivering legally sound, commercially focused solutions.

Click here to access the Position Description. 

Qualifications and experience 

You’ll bring: 

• Admitted as a lawyer in Victoria and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate (mandatory)
• Experience in private practice or in-house with a broad range of commercial agreements. Projects, PPPs or major infrastructure would be viewed favourably (desirable). 

Pre-employment checks and employment conditions  

Relevant pre-employment screening and reference checks will be required. 

Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position. 

Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply. 

How to apply 

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application. 

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 18th August 2026.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter addressing how your experience addresses each of the key selection criteria for the role. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions. 

For further information about the role, please contact Barton Wu Manager Principal Lawyer, Heavy Rail at *********@transport.vic.gov.au.  

Redeployees

If you are a VPS redeployee, please state this in your cover letter and include your case manager’s contact details. This helps ensure your redeployment status is appropriately considered. For more information on redeployment, visit the Victorian Government policy. 

Important Information

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