Senior Legal Counsel

Senior Legal Counsel

• $184475.00 per annum superannuation
• Full time fixed term position (until 07/07/2027 - Parental leave backfill)
• Melbourne based role (hybrid work from home 3 days in office)

About the opportunity

The Dispute Management Division (DMD) manages common law claims personal injuries litigation and third party recoveries under the both the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013 (WorkSafe legislation) to ensure both the delivery of benefits and the financial viability of the Scheme. Management of individual cases and litigation is via a panel of legal firms.

This role as part of the litigation group of DMD involves close liaison with legal panel firms including strategic oversight of key personal injury litigation initiatives critical date reviews mentoring and common law matters the role provides instructions for the resolution of all aspects of common law claims made to WorkSafe.

The role also works closely with other stakeholders and service providers in managing the Scheme including with other Divisions within Return to Work Victoria. Senior Legal Counsel work in partnership with the core business in an advisory capacity providing translation and application of legislation and policy and expert advice to management and to service providers.

As part of this role you will enjoy working with a Senior Legal group within a high performing autonomous team and ownership of managing the common law applications across their lifecycle.

Key Accountabilities:

• Primary responsibility is managing common law claims and litigation (including providing instructions on behalf of WorkSafe to our panel lawyers and counsel) consistent with WorkSafe vision and strategy
• Secondary responsibilities include oversight and support of statutory benefit litigation third party litigation and legal costs
• Manage and monitor legal panel performance (including through quality assurance reviews) and provide portfolio oversight and support to ensure efficient and equitable outcomes for workers employers and the scheme
• Lead and manage strategic initiatives and programs and lead research into new and emerging issues including monitoring and reporting on programs and strategic issues to relevant internal and external forums
• Model and develop the use of innovative solutions and technology in legal practice and management
• Act as a vehicle for communication between panel firms agents counsel and the core business to ensure uniformity of approach

Please ensure you review the Position Description here for additional information on accountabilities for this role.

About you

You are a Senior Lawyer ideally within a minimum of 5 years experience in common law within Workers Compensation legislation.

You will be experienced within highly complex environments and have the ability to influence and communicate with stakeholders including the ability to manage and resolve complaints.

Your attention to detail and organisational skills are highly developed and you are a team-oriented person who enjoys delivering outcomes in a timely manner.

In addition you will possess the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of the WorkSafe legislation and relevant claims and court processes and requirements
• Thorough understanding of common law and statutory benefits principles and legislation within a regulatory environment
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other specialists or team members including influencing and negotiating with senior lawyers
• Demonstrated ability to provide highly specialist advice to internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to analyse data and develop resultant strategies

Qualifications

• Professional qualifications in law with significant experience in the field of personal injury litigation

Working with us

At WorkSafe our goal is for every employee to feel connected safe and valued within their team for teams to feel appreciated in the workplace and for WorkSafe to be respected in the community.

We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for delivering the best outcomes for the Victorian community. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including First Nations people people with disabilities those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds and individuals of all sexualities and genders.

Whats next

Applications close 11:00pm Thursday 16th July 2026. Click the link to apply and join us in making a difference to Victorian lives.

Only applications submitted via the WorkSafe Careers website will be considered.

Preferred candidates will be required to satisfactorily complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and/or other checks as required for the position as part of the recruitment process.

Eligibility for ongoing employment with WorkSafe Victoria requires Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.

Due to the volume of applications received individualised feedback will only be provided to candidates who progress to interview stage.

To ensure a fair and open recruitment process we request that you complete your written application and any online interviews without the use of AI tools. We want to understand your professional skills experience and capabilities. We acknowledge that candidates may choose to use AI as part of background research.

For further enquiries please contact Talent Acquisition Specialist David Heaney via email