Principal Solicitor, Compulsory Acquisition Specialist - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

About this role

• Unique opportunity to work on land acquisition and compensation matters at the core of high profile public infrastructure projects
• A mix of litigation and advice work
• Join a supportive and dynamic team environment
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full time or Part-Time
• VPS 6.1 $130,673 - $152,772 p.a. + superannuation

About the VGSOThe 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 teamThe Public Law & Planning Branch understands Victorian public law in a way that is unrivalled by its competitors. The branch consists of three legal teams, including the Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment (LAPE) team whose practice spans both advice and litigation. The LAPE team provides advice on, among other things, the application, interpretation and development of legislation and other instruments, principally in the team's specialist subject areas. Its litigation focusses primarily on judicial and merits review of decision making in its subject areas, and contested land compensation and valuation matters.The team's subject areas include:

• Land acquisition and compensation;
• Major projects, project powers and project delivery;
• Planning and built heritage;
• Environment and climate change;
• Aboriginal cultural heritage;
• Forestry, water and other resources; and
• Emergency management.

About the roleAn exciting opportunity has become available for a specialist senior lawyer with land acquisition and compensation experience to work on high profile and complex public infrastructure projects.Work in the land acquisition and compensation space includes advice on land acquisition and project delivery powers, and working with acquiring authorities to strategically manage project risks and claims. Litigation work includes contested land compensation and valuation matters in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court.Your Skills and experience include:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 and Part 5 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 is essential
• Proven ability to provide written and oral advice on Compulsory Acquisition and compensation law
• Experience conducting disputed Compulsory Acquisition and compensation proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Proven experience supervising and/or mentoring staff, and supervising matters
• Good interpersonal, communication and negotiations skills
• Demonstrated ability to work on a number of files simultaneously
• Enthusiasm for working in a government law office
• Experience in acting for government, local government or statutory authorities would be advantageous

BenefitsVGSO 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 applyIf 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 Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0408 353 909 or via vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au.Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 30 April 2024.Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.