The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) values diversity and seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the best people for the role. We welcome applications from people of all ages, disability, ethnicity, family and caring responsibilities, gender, religion, sexual orientation and cultures including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au
* Unique opportunity to provide legal services to government in the area of public law, including constitutional law and Treaty
* Diverse and fulfilling work on matters of public interest in a supportive team
* Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
* Ongoing | Full-time
* VPS 5 $113,022 to $136,747 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.
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 team
The Constitution and Advice Team is part of the Public Law and Planning Branch at VGSO. The Public Law and Planning branch operates in the epicentre of public law practice in Victoria. The team's practice spans both advice work and litigation. The advice work includes complex advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation, as well as on various areas of exclusive VGSO work such as Federal and State constitutional law and Treaty and judicial review proceedings. Its litigation focusses primarily on constitutional matters (usually in the High Court) and judicial review proceedings.
The team's subject areas include:
* State and federal constitutional law;
* The application, interpretation and development of legislation (including in administrative decision-making);
* Public sector governance and integrity;
* Integrity body (including parliamentary) inquiries;
* Victoria's First Peoples, including Treaty; and
* Judicial review of administrative decisions.
About the role
We're looking for an experienced lawyer to join our high-performing Constitution and Advice Team at VGSO at the Senior Solicitor level.
This is your opportunity to work at the centre of government, advising on constitutional and public law issues that have real impact. You'll support key government clients, deliver clear and practical legal advice, and represent the state in significant litigation, including constitutional litigation and judicial review matters.
You will have the opportunity to provide legal advice and conduct litigation for the State Government on complex and interesting matters, primarily in the areas of constitutional law and public law.
Skills and experience
* Knowledge and experience in the principles and practice of administrative law, and knowledge and experience in constitutional law (or a strong willingness to develop it)
* A proven ability to deliver high-quality authoritative written and oral legal advice tailored to client needs
* Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation
* The ability to conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals or willingness to develop this ability
* Experience conducting judicial review proceedings would be highly desirable
* Demonstrated experience in legal practice
* Enthusiasm for working in a government law office and an interest in public law
This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing, collaborative team at VGSO, where you'll be supported to grow as a skilled lawyer and future leader. If you're passionate about constitutional law and driven to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.
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 recognises the importance of work-life balance. We offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to spend half of their time working remotely and the other half in the office. This setup encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.