Principal Solicitor, Police Advisory Branch - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

• Senior role mentoring lawyers and supervising files
• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile Police issues
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time
• VPS 6.1 $130,673 - $152,772 per annum plus superannuation

About the VGSOThe 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 branchThe Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of the force and police enforcement activities and functions.Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including statutory interpretation, criminal law offences and procedure, subpoenas (which raise claims of public interest immunity) and queries around criminal disclosure, administrative law, privacy and information sharing, police functions and powers, protection of vulnerable witnesses, media and defamation, forensic procedures, prosecution of complex summary offences or intervention order applications where Victoria Police has identified a conflict. A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement.About the roleWe are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as a Principal Solicitor in our Police Advisory Branch. This roles will support the Managing Principal Solicitors with mentoring and supervising more junior lawyers, while providing high level legal and strategic advice, often under time pressure in circumstances that require you to exercise sound judgement.The ideal applicants will be dynamic and responsive and able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant legal experience. Ideally, this experience will be in a policing or law enforcement environment.You will bring to this role your demonstrated experience and understanding of the principles and practice of law, including the provision of expert and authoritative legal advice and representation in the following areas:

• Police powers, duties and responsibilities;
• Criminal law and procedure and public interest immunity claims; and/or
• Administrative and public law.

You will bring to this role your proven experience in supervising and mentoring junior lawyers and be willing to share your knowledge and experience across the Branch and contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.Along with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships, applicants should have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.Please note a requirement of this role is holding a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or be willing to obtain one.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 vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.auApplications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 2 June 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.