1. Senior role leading, mentoring and managing a team of lawyers
2. Unique opportunity to work at the heart of government and represent the State in a broad range of litigation across multiple jurisdictions
3. Hybrid working from home/office environment
4. Ongoing | Full-time
5. VPS $151,260 - $173,138 plus superannuation per annum
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
The Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch comprises a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services to government departments and statutory bodies on matters which are topical and often involve public interest issues.
The branch is seeking an experienced senior lawyer to join the VGSO as a Managing Principal Solicitor. Reporting to Lead Counsel, your role as a Managing Principal Solicitor will be to lead and supervise a team of lawyers while providing high level legal advice across Government and efficiently managing complex and sensitive litigation.
The branch encourages diversity of practice and you will have the opportunity to be involved in various streams of work undertaken by the branch, which include:
6. General civil, police civil and tortious claims
7. State care, personal injury and negligence claims (including historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in the care of the State)
8. Coronial investigations including inquests
9. Supervision order matters
10. Judicial review and statutory interpretation
11. Contempt of court, defamation, injunctions and vexatious litigant applications
12. Commercial litigation
About the successful applicant
The ideal applicant 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 and contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound judgment on complex legal matters based upon significant experience. Previous experience handling broad personal injury and negligence matters 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
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now! Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Please note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately but applicants should outline their relevant experience in their cover letter.
To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Karlie Ridgwell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0447 331 077 or by email at .
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.