About the Department
The Department of Government Services (DGS) was established on 1 January 2023 to improve everyone's experience of doing business and interacting with the Victorian government. We bring important day-to-day services together in one department to make things easy and seamless for Victorians and businesses. We are doing this by connecting and digitising our systems and platforms across state and local government as well as streamlining our corporate and procurement services.
Role Overview
VPS5 Senior Solicitor. Reporting to the General Manager, Senior Solicitors play a key role in enforcing Australian and Victorian consumer law and providing regulatory advice to DGS more broadly. This Senior Solicitor role provides advice on regulatory matters, including whether there is sufficient evidence to support regulatory action and managing litigation on DGS’s behalf. Senior Solicitors within the Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) Legal team in OGC provide legal support across CAV but primarily to the Regulatory Services Division, as well as advice and assistance to DGS’s other regulatory functions. CAV’s Regulatory Services Division investigates allegations of breaches of a variety of legislation, including the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, the Estate Agents Act 1980 and the Australian Consumer Law. Senior Solicitors provide specialist legal advice to CAV investigators and DGS prior to and during investigations, preparation of legal briefs and materials to assist in the successful prosecution of defendants, and appear and conduct litigation in all jurisdictions. Appearance work in these forums is also a key and interesting part of the position.
Responsibilities
* Provide legal support to the Regulatory Services Division and DGS as part of the in-house legal team.
* Advise on regulatory matters and assess evidence to support regulatory action.
* Prepare complex civil and/or criminal litigation matters and assist in investigations.
* Appear in courts and tribunals across jurisdictions as required.
Qualifications and Requirements
* Demonstrated experience prosecuting or litigating complex and sensitive criminal and/or civil cases in a range of jurisdictions.
* Experience managing legal work in a complex environment, including liaison with senior stakeholders, investigators and other state and federal bodies.
* Experience in supporting investigations and preparation of litigation materials; aptitude for appearance in a range of courts and tribunals.
* Strong stakeholder management skills and ability to develop innovative responses to new and emerging issues.
Mandatory Requirements
* You must be admitted to practice as an Australian lawyer and eligible to hold a Victorian practising certificate. Unrestricted practising certificates will be preferred but not essential.
Fixed Term and Eligibility
This role is a fixed-term position available until 29 January 2027. This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Other Relevant Information
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing role is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. Preferred candidates may be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent Form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check. The department is committed to a safe working environment. DGS promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. All roles can be worked flexibly, however it may differ by role. DGS has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends full vaccination.
How To Apply
Apply before the advertised closing date 11:59pm on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. All applications should include a resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria (within three pages).
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