Address An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a motivated Legal Trainee to join the Office of the General Counsel at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The Office of the General Counsel navigates complex legal and policy challenges with technically outstanding legal advice and practical, evidence-based solutions. Reporting to the Secretary, DPC, our General Counsel has overall responsibility for the Office, and is assisted by four Directors and teams led by Managers.
The Office is looking for a Legal Trainee who is motivated, demonstrates initiative, enthusiasm and good judgment, and has excellent written and oral communications skills.
As a Legal Trainee, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 12 month Supervised Workplace Training program, leading to admission as an Australian lawyer. You will work on diverse, challenging and high profile matters as you undertake work across all the main practice areas of the Office, including legal policy, public law, commercial and corporate law and litigation.
To succeed in this role, you will have strong academic results in a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor and an interest in a career in government. Please contact Alex Roberts with any questions about the position and the application process on 0419 832 683 or email alex.roberts@dpc.vic.gov.au
About the role:
Under supervision, undertake research into and support the provision of legal and policy advice on a broad range of issues including legislative and policy proposal submissions, to senior departmental staff, the Premier, other DPC-supported Ministers and the Secretary.
Under supervision, undertake research into and support the provision of a broad range of legal services, including providing advice on constitutional and administrative law issues, parliamentary powers and processes, commercial legal matters, and litigation involving the State.
Under Supervision, advising on Cabinet submissions, drafting Governor in Council orders, preparing regulations and assisting with the management and preparation of legislation.
Preparing correspondence for the signature of the Premier, other DPC-supported Ministers and senior departmental staff, including reviewing correspondence received and gathering and analysing information and policies relevant to the correspondence.
About you
As our ideal candidate you will have:
Sound conceptual and legal analytical ability.
Strong planning and organisational skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proven ability to work both autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team.
Demonstrated willingness to be flexible, display initiative and take responsibility for own work.
Current VPS employees are strongly encouraged to apply via the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) platform.
The closing date for this position is Sunday 25 February 2024.
How to apply
Apply before the advertised closing date. All applications should include:
a resume; and
a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).
a copy of your academic transcript.
This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.
Other relevant information
The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated.
Preferred candidates will be required to complete a Pre-employment Declaration and Consent form. Employment of successful candidates will be subject to a National Police Check.
DPC actively promotes diversity, inclusion and an equal opportunity workplace. We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.
