Senior Solicitor, Legislation

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking candidates for two Senior Solicitor Legislation positions in the Legislation Branch of DEECA's Legal and Legislation Division. One role is fixed-term to 27 November 2026 and the other is fixed-term from 12 June 2026 to 12 October 2026. The roles suit mid-level lawyers.

Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor Legislation and located at 2 Lonsdale St in Melbourne, the Senior Solicitor Legislation is responsible for:

• Supporting the Manager and broader Legislation Branch in developing legislation, including leading and supporting a range of legislation projects of varying complexity.
• Providing authoritative advice on a diverse range of legislation related, legal and legal policy issues including capacity for providing authoritative legal advice as on statutory interpretation, legislative reform and legal instruments. 

About you:

• Highly responsive and proactive, you are a high performing and experienced senior lawyer who relates to people at all levels, is collaborative and supports high performing teams, takes initiative and brings energy and enthusiasm to support a highly skilled team.

• Strong interpersonal skills including integrity and resilience, the ability to influence and build rapport and trust with people at all levels including senior level stakeholders.
• Comprehensive knowledge of, and experience in, delivering legislation.
• Demonstrated experience in DEECA’s key portfolio areas, including in agriculture, energy, resources, environment, climate action, water, public land and in administrative law, is highly desirable.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A law degree
• An Australian lawyer holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria) will be considered favourably but is not essential.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in developing and delivering legislation and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in providing legal advice on any of the following areas of law would be highly regarded but is not essential: administrative law, agriculture, climate action, crown land and natural resource management, emergency management, energy, environment, earth resources and water.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support the development and delivery of relevant portfolio legislation and regulations with limited supervision.

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 27 November 2026. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, 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. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 26th May 2026.

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

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.