Managing Principal Solicitor

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Managing Principal Solicitor to join a forward-thinking State government legal team that supports the diverse work of the department by being a responsive, strategic advisory service delivering complex, high-value work

• Step into a dynamic, delivery-focused environment where your expertise and leadership will support the successful design and implementation by the Department of a variety of policies and projects across Victoria. 
• Join a positive, supportive workplace culture in a highly skilled team environment.
• Combine your administrative law, environmental law, and litigation skills and experience, with the challenge of supporting good government operations and decision-making.  
• Location: 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne / Hybrid

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is looking for a senior lawyer to join a skilled in-house multidisciplinary legal and litigation team within the Legal and Legislation Division.

The Managing Principal Solicitor is a highly organised strategic thinker with excellent management, conceptual and analytical skills and a proven ability to build strong relationships and partnerships across business areas, other government agencies and with key stakeholders.

The position requires a leader with a track record in successfully managing and motivating people to deliver a busy, agile work program, and a proven ability to provide clear, accurate and timely advice.

About the role

The role is part of the Legal and Legislation Division extended leadership team and works together with other sector leaders to position the division as a value adding trusted delivery partner.

In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team to deliver priority projects and litigation, supervise the work of junior lawyers, and provide authoritative advice to senior management and staff on a diverse range of legal and litigation related issues with a focus on leveraging the division’s deep understanding of the department’s legal and legislative frameworks to provide relevant, risk-based and solutions-focused advice. 

About you

The role is for an experienced senior lawyer who is looking to lead an engaging, dynamic multidisciplinary legal and litigation practice and to contribute to an inclusive and team-oriented workplace culture that is collaborative, professional and engaged.

The position requires an experienced leader with a track record in successfully managing and motivating people and delivering a busy work program, and a proven ability to provide clear, accurate and timely advice. 

If you want to be a part of a high performing, exciting, interesting and busy legal and litigation team we welcome your application. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An Australian lawyer holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria).
• Demonstrated ability to deliver and supervise the delivery of legal advice and management of litigation at a senior level and a proven ability to provide legal advice in relation to at least two of the following areas: environmental law, water law, fire and emergency management, Aboriginal self-determination reform, Crown land management, administrative law, statutory interpretation and litigation.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a team and the management and allocation of workflow and resources.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

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Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 17th May 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.