Description:
- Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government in the area of native title
- Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest
- Join a supportive team environment
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- Ongoing | Full-time
- VPS 3 / VPS 4 $76,817 - $107,905 per annum plus superannuation (depending on experience)
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serve the rule of law exclusively for the State.
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 VGSO is the exclusive provider of native title services to government clients. The Native Title Team sits within the Commercial, Property & Technology Branch and works on a range of commercial transactions, public land management, cultural heritage protection and public and human rights law matters.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a commercial, administrative or litigation lawyer in the early years of their career, to join the Native Title Team, at a time of historic change in the relationship between First Peoples and the State. This role would ideally suit a practitioner wanting to develop a joint commercial/native title practice.
With appropriate supervision, responsibilities include:
- Advising clients from across the public sector on Traditional Owner rights and government decision making in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and human rights.
- Advising on compliance with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and/or the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) for infrastructure projects and mining.
- Assisting with native title claims listed in the Federal Court, and matters listed in the National Native Title Tribunal, and participating in related mediations and case management hearings.
- Drafting court documents and settlement agreements, including Indigenous Land Use Agreements pursuant to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
- Working closely with the Public Law & Planning Branch on Supreme Court litigation regarding Traditional Owner rights and government decision making.
- Undertaking statutory interpretation and review of administrative decision making.
- Assisting with legislative development.
Skills and experience
- Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation.
- Demonstrated ability to carry out complex legal research and analysis.
- Ability to efficiently provide expert and authoritative written and oral advice which is fit for purpose.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skills.
- Experience in litigation and/or commercial and administrative law desirable but not essential. Previous experience in native title not essential.
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 recognises the importance of work-life balance. We offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to spend half of their time working remotely and the other half in the office. This setup encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
How to apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now!
Click the ' Apply Now ' to start your application. Applications must include:
- a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages)
- resume
Please note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately, but applicants should outline their relevant skills/experience and suitability to the role in their cover letter.
To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Karlie Ridgwell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0447 331 *** or via ***************@vgso.vic.gov.au.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 13 March 2025
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.