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Form of work
SalarySenior Solicitor, Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
- Unique opportunity to work on complex, diverse and high profile Land Acquisition, planning and environment matters, as a trusted legal partner to the Victorian Government
- A mix of litigation and advisory work
- Join a supportive team environment
- Hybrid work arrangement
- Learning and development opportunities and the chance to develop your own practice and specialty interests over time
- Ongoing | Full-time | Part-time (0.8FTE)
- VPS 5 $103,920 - $125,735 p.a. + super (dependent upon experience)
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) is at the centre of the action in advising the Victorian Public Sector on interesting, cutting-edge and sensitive legal matters. Working within our office means that you will be able to grow and develop your legal career and to also serve the public, alongside bright, experienced lawyers who speak the language of and understand the needs of Government and who prioritise excellence in everything they do.
Our clients are exclusively the Victorian Government and public sector. Our place within government ensures we are at the centre of legal change, reform and problem-solving. While we operate on a fee-for-service model, we are not profit driven. Instead, in all aspects of our operations, we prioritise making a difference and role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence..
About the team
The 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 team whose practice spans advice and litigation. The advice the team provides includes advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation and other instruments, principally in the team's subject areas. Its litigation focusses primarily on judicial and merits review of decision making in planning and environment areas of law, and contested land compensation and valuation matters.
The team's subject areas include:
- Planning and built heritage;
- Environment and climate change;
- Land acquisition and compensation;
- Major projects, project powers and project delivery;
- Aboriginal cultural heritage;
- Forestry, water and other resources; and
- Emergency management.
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Senior Solicitor with experience in Land Acquisition, planning and environment law, to make a strong and meaningful contribution as an important team member within the team.
Specifically, this role will appeal to you if wish to engage in complex legal problem solving on important projects that effect the public interest, with an emphasis on LAPE work. The nature of the State's responsibilities mean you will have a mix of advice and litigation work.
Responsibilities
- Provide oral and written advice relating to the LAPE team's key areas of law, in particular in relation to the proper exercise of administrative and statutory powers
- Prepare, manage and instruct experts and counsel (where applicable) in complex and/or sensitive proceedings in merits and judicial review of administrative decisions in the LAPE team's key areas of law,
- Advise on high profile public infrastructure projects
- Contribute to the mentorship, training and development of junior solicitors.
- Knowledge and understanding of planning and environmental law is essential
- Knowledge and understanding of compulsory acquisition law and administrative law, would be highly desirable
- Proven ability to provide authoritative written and oral advice which is fit for purpose
- Experience conducting judicial and merits review proceedings would be advantageous
- Good interpersonal, communication and negotiations skills
- Demonstrated ability to work on a number of files simultaneously
You will receive competitive remuneration, training and development opportunities and up to 17.5% annual leave loading, together with other benefits under the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2020. The VGSO understands the importance of work-life balance and embraces workplace flexibility to help lawyers achieve this.
VGSO offers an inclusive, collegiate and collaborative work environment where you will be well-supported and mentored to develop your knowledge of Planning and Environment law. You will also be given excellent career opportunities to progress and develop within the organisation.
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now! Applications must include a cover letter and resume that outlines your experience relevant to this role. 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 the VGSO Talent Acquisition Team, on vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 14th January 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.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
