Principal Solicitor, Constitution & Advice - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

• 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

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.

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 branch

The 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.

The 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.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for a senior and experienced a lawyer to continue their career in public law as a Principal Solicitor in our Constitution and Advice Team in the Public Law and Planning Branch. 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, administrative law (including judicial review) and the exercise and regulation of government powers.

Skills and experience

• 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

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 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 apply

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now!

Applications must include a cover letter and resume. Please note it is not required 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 Syreeta Robinson, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0438 763 810 or by email at vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 14 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.