About the role: Reporting to a Principal Solicitor, the Senior Solicitor will support the Dispute Resolution and Inquiries unit within the Legal Services and Integrity Branch. The role will provide practical, outcome-focused legal advice and support across a broad range of areas within the health portfolios which may be the subject of significant disputes, claims, prosecutions, litigation or inquiries. This will involve advising senior staff at the department, instructing in complex litigation involving the department or office holders in a wide range of courts and tribunals, responding to external queries and notices raising material legal issues or risks, and preparing briefings and correspondence. You will also prepare Ministerial correspondence, Cabinet submissions and other written reports and briefings to clients. Your advice must be clear, accurate and appropriate to meeting the client's needs, and provided in a timely manner. You will also be required to engage and oversee external legal firms in meeting the needs of departmental clients for advice and representation in courts, tribunals and inquiries. A key area of focus for the role will be supporting the Health Regulator in the conduct of enforcement action, including in the exercise of statutory powers and the conduct of prosecutions and regulatory proceedings. Please view position description for further information about the role. About us: At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected. We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. About you: The Department of Health is seeking an experienced Senior Solicitor to join its Dispute Resolution and Inquiries team, providing high-level legal expertise across complex, sensitive and high-profile matters. This role is critical in supporting the Department and Health Regulator to meet their statutory responsibilities while effectively managing legal risk in a dynamic public sector environment. The Senior Solicitor will provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues, including the preparation of high-level briefings, correspondence and submissions for senior executives and government. You will prepare detailed briefs and instruct counsel and external solicitors from the State Government Legal Panel, and advise the Health Regulator on the lawful exercise of statutory powers, including compliance and enforcement actions. A key aspect of the role involves managing and contributing to complex litigation across a wide range of courts and tribunals. This includes appearing or instructing in proceedings, supporting prosecutions, and preparing complex briefs of evidence such as witness statements, court documents, evidentiary certificates and submissions. You will also provide advice on emerging legal issues, assess their longer-term implications for the Department, and review significant cases to identify opportunities to strengthen systems and processes. Strong client focus and stakeholder management skills are essential. You will work collaboratively with departmental colleagues to deliver high-quality, client-focused legal services, while leading effective engagement with barristers, courts and tribunals, other government agencies and professional bodies. The role also has a leadership component, requiring you to mentor and support the professional development of junior solicitors and paralegal staff. You will actively contribute to continuous improvement by identifying service enhancements and working collaboratively to implement improved legal service delivery practices. Mandatory * The successful candidate must hold (or be eligible to hold) a current practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2014. * Minimum of 5 years' post admission experience is preferable The following would be beneficial: * Experience in complex or sensitive multi-party litigation, prosecutions, judicial review proceedings * A strong background in Government Law and the provision of legal and policy advice to government, including strong statutory interpretation skills and administrative law experience. On a personal level the candidate will be a collaborative and trusted professional who develops and empowers others, builds strong and respectful relationships, applies sound analytical and conceptual thinking to complex issues, works effectively within diverse teams, drives innovation and continuous improvement, and acts with integrity in the public interest. What we offer: * The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world. * A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector. * A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements. How to apply: Applications should include a resume and a cover letter. Click the ‘Apply' button to view further information about the role including key contact details and the advertisement closing date. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated to provide responsive and quality services to all Victorians. We continue to build an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity of backgrounds and differences to realise the potential of our employees for innovation and delivering services aimed at enhancing the lives of all Victorians. All roles can be worked flexibly and we encourage applications from Aboriginal people, people with disability, LGBTIQ and people from culturally diverse backgrounds. Please contact us if you require any adjustments to participate in the recruitment process at inclusion@health.vic.gov.au. For more information on our commitment to inclusion and diversity see inclusion and diversity at the Department of Health. If you have any queries in relation to recruitment processes at Health, or experience any issues in applying, please feel free to email talentacquisition@health.vic.gov.au. Please note that unsolicited applications will not be replied to. If you have questions regarding the role specifically, we would advise you to reach out to the contact listed on the advertisement directly. Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence in line with our Privacy Policy.