- Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government in the area of public law, including constitutional law
- Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest
- Full-time; 12 month Fixed-term
- VPS 6.1 - $130, 673 to $152,772 p.a. + superannuation
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 branchThe Public Law & Planning (PuLP) Branch of the VGSO provides litigation services and legal advice in multiple areas of law including but not limited to, administrative law, constitutional law, human rights and anti-discrimination law, and planning, environment and heritage law.About the teamThe Constitution & Advice (CAT) Team is part of the Public Law & Planning (PuLP) Branch at VGSO. 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. 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.
- Knowledge and experience in the principles and practice of public and administrative law, and knowledge and experience in constitutional law or a willingness to develop expertise in this area
- Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation
- The ability to conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals
- Experience conducting judicial review proceedings would be highly desirable
- Significant experience providing authoritative written and oral advice which is fit for purpose
- Demonstrated understanding of the challenges of legal practice
- Proven experience in supervising, leading and mentoring staff (essential for Principal Solicitor)
- Enthusiasm for working in a government law office