Legal Counsel

Our Purpose  

At Yarra Trams, we’re not just moving people — we’re moving Melbourne. Your journey is our passion, and it drives everything we do. From the tracks to the teams behind them, we’re committed to delivering world-class service — and it all starts with passionate people like you.

We’re on the lookout for a commercially minded and pragmatic Legal Counsel to join our Legal, Risk, Compliance & Claims team. In this varied role, you’ll provide practical, independent legal advice that helps keep Melbourne’s tram network moving – from the Tram Franchise Agreement and complex commercial contracts through to regulatory compliance and disputes. If you enjoy partnering closely with the business, thrive on variety and want your legal work to make a real impact on a Melbourne icon, this could be your next stop!

About the role:

Reporting into our Director, Legal, Risk & Compliance, this role will:

• Provide timely, practical and commercially focused legal advice across the business, translating complex legal and contractual issues into clear, actionable guidance
• Advise on the Tram Franchise Agreement, related transaction documents and regulatory requirements, including government submissions, approvals, consents and waivers
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements, and provide legal input into procurement strategies and contracting structures
• Help prevent, manage and resolve contractual and commercial disputes, including preparing dispute correspondence, settlement documents and briefs to external legal advisers
• Contribute to compliance frameworks, controls and assurance processes, and monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the business
• Drive continuous improvement through templates, playbooks, legal and compliance training, and the responsible use of legal technology and AI tools

About You:

This role will suit a commercially minded lawyer with experience in a complex, operational or highly regulated environment – ideally in-house, or within transport, infrastructure or government contracting – who brings:

• A tertiary qualification in Law, admission as an Australian lawyer and a current Australian practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one)
• A minimum of four years’ post-admission experience, with strong legal drafting, contractual interpretation and commercial advisory skills
• Demonstrated experience advising on commercial contracts, procurement, contract administration and complex transaction documents
• The ability to identify, assess and clearly communicate legal, contractual and compliance risks to both legal and non-legal audiences
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with executives, suppliers, contractors, government agencies and regulators
• Sound judgment, discretion and attention to detail, with the ability to work autonomously and manage competing, time-sensitive priorities under pressure

For a confidential discussion about the role, please feel free to contact Steven Nield, Manager Talent Acquisition & Social Inclusion on either;

M  

+61 481 069 989

E : 

Steven.Nield@yarratrams.com.au

About our Recruitment Process:  

After your initial application, here’s what to expect.

• Review:  We review and shortlist applications as they arrive, and we may progress strong candidates before the campaign closes. While most applications are assessed after the closing date, early applicants who closely match the role requirements may be contacted sooner. Every application is reviewed first by our Talent Acquisition team and then by the relevant Hiring Manager to ensure a consistent and thorough evaluation.

• Interview:  Our interviews are the best way for us to get to know you and determine your fit for the role through questions focused on your behaviours, skills and experiences.  Our preference is to meet you face to face but we’re also happy to accommodate virtual interviews to suit your circumstances

• Background & pre-employment checks: If you’re the preferred candidate we’ll ask you to go through a series of background checks, including references, working rights, drug & alcohol and medical checks which are standard for all positions within Yarra Trams
• Offer:  Once we’ve had conversations around salary and notice periods, your offer will be extended to you via a secure online platform for your review and acceptance.  We’ll then also be in touch with you as you go through Onboarding and your commencement

Why Yarra Trams?

We’re proud to be part of Melbourne’s heartbeat. At Yarra Trams, you’ll find a supportive team, meaningful work, and opportunities to grow your career while making a difference in the lives of thousands of passengers every day.

As the operator of the world's largest tram network and an iconic part of Melbourne's transport system, Yarra Journey Makers is dedicated to serving communities by ensuring safe and reliable travel every day. Join a team focused on helping people and delivering better tram journeys to keep Melbourne moving forward.

Additionally, you will receive:

• A Free travel pass for Victoria’s Public Transport Network
• Competitive salary and great conditions
• Career growth opportunities
• Workplace flexibility
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to our Paid Parental leave policies

Yarra Trams is an equal opportunity employer.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace that is inclusive and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Interested? Click Apply Now.