Office of the General Counsel navigates legal and policy challenges with technically outstanding legal advice and practical, evidence-based solutions. Our key stakeholders are the Premier, other Ministers supported by DPC, the Secretary, DPC and other DPC branches. We deliver legal expertise from the centre of Government. 

The Legislation and Policy Team in OGC is responsible for delivering integrated, strategic and high quality legal and policy advice to our key stakeholders. Within OGC, it is our responsibility to develop and support the development of complex policy and legislative proposals (Bills, regulations and other forms of subordinate instruments) for the Premier, other DPC Ministers and DPC stakeholders, including DPC Cabinet Office and the Office of the Chief Parliamentary Counsel.

The Senior Legal Policy Adviser will play a senior role and provide high profile legal and policy advice at the centre of Government, be a key member of a high-performing team, lead and support the development and implementation of significant legislative proposals and advise on public law matters and other government legal matters more generally. You must be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer hold a Victorian practising certificate.

The Office is looking for a hard-working and experienced senior legal policy adviser/lawyer with strong technical legal and policy skills to advise and lead on significant legal policy and legislative matters.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact the Co-Managers, Legislation and Policy Team, Emily Dickson or Alissa Fotiades on +61 9922 7111.

About you

As our ideal candidate you will have

• Experience as a government lawyer, in developing legislation or legislative instruments or related policy, or as a lawyer in the private sector.
• Knowledge of and experience in, the principles and practice of policy and legislative development, constitutional or public law with proven statutory interpretation skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of applicable Cabinet, legal and constitutional requirements and procedures, or ability to apply previous related experience.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice on complex legal and policy issues under tight timelines with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively and effectively with minimal supervision and in a team environment, work closely with stakeholders, and to plan and prioritise projects and tasks, while managing strict timelines.

Mandatory Qualifications

• Must hold a Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or equivalent legal qualification conferred by a university in a common law jurisdiction;
• Must be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer; and
• Must hold a practising certificate.

For more details regarding this position, please see attached position description for the key selection criteria to address in application.

The closing date for this position is Monday, 17 November 2025.

How to apply:

Apply before the advertised closing date, all applications should include:

• a resume
• a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages)

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Other relevant information

The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated. 

Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.

DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.