2023 Law Stream Graduate Program (Jan 2023)

The Victorian Government

We want the Victorian Government to be innovative and reflective of the community we serve. Graduates join us because we offer meaningful work that directly impacts Victorians and offers incredible career opportunities. No other employer has such a diversity of roles. Work in a place where you can live our shared values, of responsiveness, integrity, impartiality, accountability, respect, leadership, and human rights. 

We offer employment streams tailored to what you studied at university and graduate pathways for applicants with a disability or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

The Graduate Program

Complete 3 rotations in different departments over 12 months. You'll contribute to important work and make connections across government. Along the way, you'll develop your talents and discover new interests. 

There are  9 departments and Victoria Police you can choose to work in for most streams. And each department has agencies attached to them that you may end up working in. 

During the application process, you’ll tell us the top 2 departments you’d like to work in. If you don’t mind where you work, you can tell us that instead. Your choice of the department will help decide where you may start and have an ongoing role. 

Law stream

The law stream is open to graduates with degrees in Law and / or a Juris Doctor that allows for admission to practise as an Australian lawyer. You'll work in legal and legislative areas undertaking research, drafting advice, developing effective networks and relationships and attending court. You'll be provided further training related to the law environment within the government.

Skills we look for in applicants

• Verbal and written communication
• Problem solving and analytical mindset
• Adaptability
• Teamwork and stakeholder engagement
• Education or experience in law

Eligibility criteria

• Completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree between 1 January 2020 and 1 January 2023; and
• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree that allows you admission to practise as an Australian lawyer; and
• Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident or have unrestricted working rights in Australia at time of application; and
• Not be on a temporary graduate visa; and
• Not have taken voluntary redundancy from the Victorian public sector in the 3 years up to the program start date of 23 January 2023.

You will be required to provide evidence of your vaccination status or exemption if you are successful in receiving a formal offer to join the program. 

Work location 

All our roles are based in Victoria. You will negotiate your flexible and hybrid work arrangements with your employer in each rotation. The Victorian Government’s flexible work policy aims to strike a balance between your needs and the requirements of the role and team.

Application stages

• Online application form
• Online assessment
• Video interview
• Assessment Center
• Employment offer

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Pathway

You can opt to use this pathway if you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 

You still go through the program but will get support from your own pathway manager. This support is flexible and tailored to you, but can include things like: 

• support with your application
• support from your own pathway manager
• one-on-ones prior to program milestones
• regular contact and catch-ups.

If you would like to talk to someone about the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander pathway, please contact the Aboriginal Employment Unit.

Disability Pathway

You can opt to use the disability pathway if you identify as a person with a disability. 

We want applicants with disability to have an equitable experience. So we’ve taken action to make our process is fair for people with disability. You will not need to share any information about your disability to apply through this pathway or throughout the program.

You still go through the program but will get support from the pathway liaison. 

The support in this pathway is flexible and tailored to you. It includes things like: 

• flexible and tailored support in the application and interview process
• access to workplace adjustments and flexible work
• ways to connect with peers with disability
• access to mentors with disability.

How to apply

The 2023 Victorian Government graduate program applications are open between 25 July to 9:59 am AEST 29 August 2022. We are accepting applications for our generalist, law and project delivery streams. 

Hear from our graduates

Read Rochelle's graduate story: Rochelle was unsure what area of law she wanted to pursue. Through the law stream she was able to rotate across different departments and gain valuable experience in various legal environments.  Rochelle, law stream

Read Anna's graduate story: Applying through the Disability pathway provided Anna with a wealth of support including guidance from mentors and the Graduate Disability Liaison officer. Anna, generalist stream, disability pathway

Read Zack's graduate story: Zack is a Yorta Yorta/Dja Dja Wurrung man who has used his degree in criminology and psychology to follow in the footsteps of his family by starting a career in the public sector. Zack, generalist stream, Aboriginal pathway

Read Mollie's graduate story: Entering the economic consultancy stream, Mollie was determined to develop her business engagement skills and gain experience across different policy areas. Mollie, economic consultancy stream

Read Jess's graduate story: Jess has a keen interest in sustainable living and recycling and was thrilled when she was offered a role with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Jess, generalist stream

Read Monica's graduate story: When Monica joined the program, she had little idea where it would take her or what work she’d be doing. She soon learned that each placement would be a new and interesting experience with its own challenges and rewards. Monica, data analytics stream

Read Jagvir's graduate story: Joining the Victorian Government graduate program gave Jagvir the chance to work with purpose, to contribute to the Victorian community. Jagvir, accounting and finance stream