The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is firmly focused on driving a strong and resilient economy that benefits all Victorians – by creating more opportunities for people through jobs and skills; supporting businesses and industries to grow and prosper; and building vibrant communities and regions.
Established on 1 January 2023, our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. We oversee various public entities, including public corporations, regulatory authorities and specialist boards.
The Department strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and offers reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.
Our values are accountability, integrity and respect, and underpin everything we do.
Principal Solicitor, Yoorrook Justice Commission Response
1. Salary: $129,379 - $173,138 (plus superannuation)
2. Fixed-term role for 12 months
3. Usual hours of work: Full time (flexibility may be available)
4. Usual work location: Hybrid/1 Spring Street, Melbourne (flexibility available)
We are seeking a savvy and adaptable Principal Solicitor to join our team at the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Apply soon! Applications will be assessed as they arrive.
Are you?
Passionate about First Nations issues?
Looking for a challenge, variety and flexibility?
Enthusiastic and self-motivated?
About the role
Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, Litigation and External Review, this unique position sits within the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions' Legal and Legislation Branch.
The Branch's role is to provide high quality legal and legislative advice and services on a broad range of matters across the Department. There is always a great variety of interesting work. The Department covers a diverse range of portfolios, including:
5. Trade and Investment;
6. Creative Industries;
7. Tourism, Sport and Major Events;
8. Regional Development;
9. Employment Programs; and
10. Training, Skills and Higher Education.
This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate Principal Solicitor to help lead the Department's response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission. The Yoorrook Justice Commission is the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria. The Principal Solicitor will play an important role within DJSIR's broader Yoorrook Justice Commission Project Team and will work closely with colleagues in the policy area, as well as engaging right across the Department to facilitate engagement with requests for documents and evidence. The Principal Solicitor's core work will be to assist the Project Team by providing expert legal advice on all matters arising from engagement with the Commission, including in relation to responding to Notices to Produce, preparation of evidence and witness hearings.
The successful candidate will work alongside external lawyers also assisting the Department to engage with the Commission and may be expected to supervise the work of junior lawyers assisting with the project. During periods of lower activity in the response to the Yoorrook Justice Commission, this position may also be required to work on other matters.
As a 12-month fixed-term position, the Department will support a secondment arrangement for the right candidate.
Flexible and hybrid work arrangements, including working remotely or non-standard working hours are available.
About You
We welcome applications from lawyers with in-house, government or private law firm experience. To succeed in the role, you will need:
11. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic and authoritative advice on legal issues arising from public inquiries, including to an executive level audience.
12. Experience drafting and reviewing a wide range of legal documentation, particularly in the context of public inquiries or similar, which achieve organisational outcomes and appropriately manage legal risk.
13. Detailed knowledge and demonstrated experience in leading legal aspects of government responses to public inquiries or similar, including applicable guidelines and compliance requirements.
14. Demonstrated ability to liaise effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues, clients and key stakeholders.
15. Ability to work constructively and effectively, manage competing priorities, and work within with tight timelines.
16. Admission or eligibility to be admitted to practice as a lawyer in Victoria.
17. 5+ years of post-admission experience
About us
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is firmly focused on driving a strong and resilient economy that benefits all Victorians – by creating more opportunities for people through jobs and skills; supporting businesses and industries to grow and prosper; and building vibrant communities and regions. Our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. We oversee various public entities, including public corporations, regulatory authorities and specialist boards.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Patrick Warner, Managing Principal Solicitor, Litigation and External Review at
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department.
To be eligible for this position you must hold the mandatory qualification as outlined in the position description.
For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
Applications close at midnight on 30 August 2023 .