1. Senior role leading, mentoring and managing a team of lawyers
2. Unique opportunity to work on high-profile public inquiries and engage with senior government stakeholders
3. Hybrid working from home/office environment
4. Ongoing | Full-time (open to flexible work arrangement)
5. VPS $151,260 - $173,138 + superannuation (depending on experience)
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.
The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. Our place within government ensures we are at the centre of legal change, reform and problem-solving. We operate as a service-driven legal professional practice and strive for excellence in this competitive environment. In all aspects of our operations, we aim to role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence.
About the branch and role
We have an exciting opportunity for a senior and experienced lawyer to join our Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) Branch as a Managing Principal Solicitor, based in the Royal Commissions and Inquiries Team.
The IPA Branch provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to public inquiries, administrative law, disciplinary reviews, prosecutions, investigations, personal injury claims and other public law matters.
Reporting to Lead Counsel, this role will provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of lawyers focussing primarily on Royal Commissions and other public inquiries. This involves the following types of legal work:
6. State submissions and strategic responses
7. Project management and reporting
8. Witness and hearing preparation
9. Briefing and instructing counsel
10. Management of Commission requests for government documents (notices to produce) and overseeing document review
11. Advice on privileges and immunities, such as public interest immunity
The team also shares work with the broader branch, including institutional liability claims and administrative law advices.
About the ideal candidate
The ideal applicant will be a 'people person' with advanced legal-technical skills, sound judgement, and ability to work cohesively and collaboratively within an established Royal Commissions and Inquiries Team.
They will be dynamic and responsive, have demonstrated people leadership capability and be eager to supervise, mentor and develop a team of lawyers.
Applicants must be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch, contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment and brief and communicate effectively with senior VGSO executives and public servants.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant experience.
Experience and knowledge of large scale litigation/public law matters and/or public inquiries is essential.
Along with the ability to develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities, applicants will benefit from having a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.
Benefits
VGSO offers an inclusive, collegiate and collaborative work environment where you will be well-supported and mentored to develop your knowledge. You will also be given excellent career opportunities to progress and develop within the organisation.
VGSO embraces flexibility and welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance. We currently work in a hybrid environment with employees enjoying a balance of working from home and in the office.
How to apply
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 6 September 2023.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.