Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes

About Us The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.
DTP Legal is a Division within the Department of Transport and Planning, responsible for providing legal, legislative, commercial and policy advice and support to portfolio Ministers, the Secretary, the DTP Executive and DTP in the achievement of the transport, land use and planning system vision, objectives and decision-making principles.
The Operations and Commercial Branch of DTP Legal provides advice and support to divisions of the Department and portfolio agencies, in relation to commercial disputes, commercial negotiations, contract management, transport operations, public private partnerships, transport franchises, commercial projects and the integration of the Big Build assets back into our transport network. The Branch comprises a large team of lawyers with expertise in commercial and contract law, commercial negotiation, dispute management, and laws associated with multi modal transport operations, rolling stock, large scale procurement, precinct development and property transactions.
Our People Matters Survey results consistently demonstrate that DTP Legal is a well-managed, fun and supportive team, which successfully balances providing excellent and responsive legal services with a focus on work-life balance.
About the Role This is a Fixed Term Position until 30 June 2026 Join the Department of Transport and Planning as a Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes, where you will be responsible for providing authoritative advice on a wide range of complex legal issues, with a focus on the State's participation in cladding cost recovery litigation, associated ADR and related matters and other commercial disputes as required. As Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes, you will deliver outstanding client service and timely, clear and pragmatic legal advice and related services.
The cladding cost recovery program includes the management of commercial litigation and ADR to recover funds spent by the State of Victoria to rectify non-compliant combustible cladding and to hold responsible practitioners to account.
In addition to advising on litigation and ADR, the role will also play a proactive and critical role in assisting DTP to formulate responses to complex policy issues and making recommendations to senior stakeholders to inform decision making.
About you You are a highly skilled and engaged member of your project and legal teams, respected, and sought after for your excellent, clear, timely and pragmatic legal advice.You provide in-house legal advice on cladding cost recovery litigation, ADR and related matters and other commercial disputes, supporting the Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Disputes, the Director Legal, Commercial Disputes and the cladding cost recovery program.You provide expert and highly influential legal advice and support to DTP business areas, executive managers and committees and the Minister for Planning in the management and resolution of cladding cost recovery litigation, related matters and other commercial disputes (including DTP's fulfilment of its 'Model Litigant' obligations).You demonstrate expert knowledge, skills and industry experience to ensure that the advice and services provided (including by external counsel) is of a high standard, reflects current best practice, mitigates risk, optimises business outcomes, is consistent, delivered within time constraints and reflects value for money.You proactively establish, foster and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and other areas of DTP to support delivery of DTP's objectives.You keep abreast of advances, changes and trends relevant to commercial disputes and incorporate this knowledge in DTP's approach to commercial dispute resolution as appropriate; and promote awareness and build capability within DTP Legal and DTP more broadly with respect to dispute resolution.Key Selection Criteria We are seeking a skilled legal professional to join the Department of Transport and Planning as Principal Lawyer, Commercial Disputes. In this role, you will provide and procure high-level legal advice, manage litigation, and support complex legal drafting, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Your expertise in providing legal advice will be crucial in identifying risks, managing sensitive issues, and applying relevant law to complex situations. You will also review and draft legally complex documents, ensuring they comply with law, policy and minimize legal and commercial risks. Handling litigation efficiently and in accordance with DTP's 'Model Litigant' obligations, you will manage cases in accordance with court rules and timelines while exploring opportunities for dispute resolution.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, as you will evaluate issues from multiple perspectives and deliver effective solutions within a wider business context. You will influence outcomes by building support for ideas and effectively communicating with stakeholders at all levels. Strong stakeholder management and an understanding of political and organizational contexts will help ensure successful partnerships and outcomes.
Ideal candidates will demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in managing changing priorities, as well as resilience in handling challenges. If you are a driven, detail-oriented legal professional ready to make an impact for Victoria, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications and Experience Mandatory Admitted, or eligible to be admitted, to practise as a lawyer in VictoriaCurrent tertiary degree in law.Demonstrated experience managing complex litigation and related ADR either in an in-house legal role or through private practice experience.Desirable Demonstrated experience working on complex construction litigation and related ADR, or infrastructure or service contract-related disputes would be viewed favourably.Demonstrated in-house legal experienceDemonstrated experience working for or advising government, including awareness of government-specific considerations relevant to legal advice such as 'Model Litigant' obligationsDemonstrated experience managing delivery of legal services by external providersWhat we offer Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveableProfessional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public ServicesA hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamworkOptimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangementsWe prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive cultureCulture Value We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.
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Applications close 11.59pm on Monday the 2nd of December, 2024. Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We're unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.
For further information about the role please contact Nile Rodman - Director Legal, Commercial Disputes - via ******.
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 Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.
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