Address
Form of work Job Description
Location: Melbourne | CBD
Job type: Full time
Organisation: Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
Salary: Salary not specified
Occupation: Legal
Reference: VG/VGSO613
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) embrace diversity amongst our staff and welcome applications from people from all cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as people with a disability. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au
Senior/Principal Solicitor, Human Rights Team - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government in human rights and other public law matters
Friendly and supportive work environment
Ongoing | Full time or Part-Time (0.8FTE)
VPS 5 or VPS 6.1 $105,479 - $151,259 per annum + superannuation
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) is at the centre of the action in advising the Victorian Public Sector on interesting, high-impact 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 branch and 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 Human Rights team whose practice focus on human rights under Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006. The day-to-day work of the team includes:
preparing statements of compatibility for Bills introduced in Parliament,
advising public authorities on their human rights obligations,
providing advice in relation to legislative reform projects and policy development,
managing litigation matters that raise Charter issues.
The team also works on related public law matters including administrative law, anti-discrimination law and statutory interpretation.
About the role
An exciting opportunity has become available for a Senior or Principal Solicitor seeking to continue their career in human rights law.
You will have the opportunity to provide legal advice to, and conduct litigation for, State government departments and public entities on a range of complex and interesting matters within the team's area of practice. In this role you will work collaboratively with your colleagues as part of a tightly knit and busy team.
Skills and experience
Comprehensive knowledge and experience in the principles and practice of public law
Experience and/or knowledge of human rights law, including familiarity with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 and relevant case law, is essential
Experience providing comprehensive written and oral legal advice which is fit for purpose
The ability to conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals
Experience acting for government or statutory corporations would be highly desirable for Senior Solicitor level, essential for Principal Solicitor level
For Principal Solicitor level, proven experience supervising and/or mentoring staff
Experience with policy development and legislative reform projects would be desirable
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 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 Tim Morrison, Senior People Partner on 0409 370 185..
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 31 May 2023.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
The VGSO is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the VGSO's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all VGSO employees possess a COVID-19 Vaccination Status of Up-to-date or Excepted Person in order to attend a VGSO Workplace or Worksite. Prior to commencement of employment with VGSO you will need to provide evidence of your COVID-19 Vaccination Status as Up-to-date or an Excepted Person. Acceptable evidence includes:
COVID-19 Digital Certificate or ATAGI Exemption Certificate (Medical Contraindication or a Temporary Medical Exemption) - available via your myGov account, or
Your immunisation history statement -available via your myGov account
