About the opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for enthusiastic and motivated students who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (full or part-time, undertaking between their second to penultimate year of studies as at 2025) to join our talented pool of Law Clerks in the Legal Services Coordination Branch.

There are multiple 2-year fixed term roles available, each offering a minimum of 2 days per week, with extra shifts available in surge periods. Our law clerks are also supported to balance their study commitments with time off to undertake exams.  

This role offers exposure to a diverse range of work including litigation, negligence, discrimination and employment law, family law, human rights law, commercial and property law, construction law, governance and legislative and regulatory reform. Law clerks participate in a rotation program across work units within the division which provides fantastic legal training in a range of practice areas, along with an opportunity to build organisational knowledge across the corporate areas of the department. The program sees law clerks assigned to a team for 6-month periods, rotating across practice areas.

Law clerks work alongside highly experienced and passionate lawyers and will be able to explore the benefits of working in a large in-house legal department, gain practical experience, acquire insight into a career in government law, experience our professional culture and understand the variety of work performed by lawyers in the Legal Division.

The role involves assisting with responding to subpoenas and other requests for information as well as assisting with provision of legal advice in a broad range of areas including:

• litigation support (e.g. preparing chronologies, case summaries, briefs to counsel);
• undertaking legal research (e.g. case law, searching Gazette notices and Hansard and other Parliamentary materials);
• reviewing contractual terms and department policies and guidelines;
• preparing draft documents for Ministers, Parliament and the Executive Council;
• assisting with publication of various legal documents (e.g. Gazette notices);
• assisting the Practice Support Unit team with triaging requests for legal advice and other administrative tasks as required; supporting the maintainance and continual improvement of the department's online library for all department operational policy, guidance and resources that apply to Victorian schools and corporate staff.

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.

Why join us?

• Challenging, purpose-based work that makes a difference - Be part of a passionate, high-performing team that helps support life-long learning in Victoria.
• Rewarding, meaningful work– As part of a career in the public sector you can help shape Victoria's future, serve the community and follow your ambition. Visit https://careers.vic.gov.au/why-work-for-vic to find out more about careers in the public service and the range of careers

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Competitive salary – Bi-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

Qualifications

Essential: Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (full or part-time student, undertaking between their second to penultimate year of studies as at 2025) with a minimum weighted average mark of 70%.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit:

1. a current resume;
2. a one-page cover letter providing a summary of experience and outlining your suitability for this opportunity; and
3. a copy of your latest transcript.

For more details regarding this exciting opportunity please see the attached position description.

You can also contact Senior Lawyer and Law Clerk Supervisor Harry Reid on (03) 9057 4462 or harry.reid@education.vic.gov.au. 

Visit http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/tips-for-applying for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.

Further Information

For more details regarding this position please see attached position description for the capabilities to address in application.

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.

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 Sunday 21 December 2025.