Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Disputes

DTP Legal is a Division within the Department of Transport and Planning, and is 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 STS position until 30 June 2026

The Senior Legal Counsel, Commercial Disputes will report to the Director, Legal, Commercial Disputes, and provide expert legal advice on a broad spectrum of complex issues, with a primary focus on the State’s involvement in cladding cost recovery litigation, associated Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), and other commercial disputes as needed. This role is critical in delivering exceptional client service, offering timely, clear, and pragmatic legal advice.

A key responsibility will be managing the cladding cost recovery program of litigation, including overseeing commercial litigation and ADR processes to recover funds expended by the State in rectifying non-compliant combustible cladding, while holding accountable the responsible practitioners.

Beyond litigation and ADR, the Senior Legal Counsel will play a proactive role in advising the Department on complex policy matters, providing recommendations to senior stakeholders to support informed decision-making.

To provide greater insight into the role the position description can be found here.

About you

You are a highly skilled and engaged legal professional, recognised for delivering clear, timely, and pragmatic advice that is highly valued by your colleagues and stakeholders. With extensive experience in managing litigation, ADR, and other commercial disputes, you play a pivotal role in supporting the Director, Legal, Commercial Disputes, and contributing to the success of the cladding cost recovery program. Your ability to offer influential legal counsel to DTP business areas, executive managers, committees, and the Minister for Planning ensures that disputes are effectively managed and resolved, all while adhering to DTP's 'Model Litigant' obligations.

You demonstrate strong leadership and a deep understanding of legal best practices, ensuring that the advice provided by you and external counsel is high-quality, risk-mitigating, and value-driven. You are proactive in fostering relationships with stakeholders and contribute to the advancement of DTP's objectives by staying up to date with industry trends. Your commitment to excellence is reflected not only in your legal work but also in your contributions to team culture and strategic objectives.

Qualifications and role specific requirements

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