Description:
- Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile/public issues
- Experience handling general personal injury matters and/or acting for insurers in civil litigation claims would be highly regarded
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- Ongoing | Full-time
- VPS 5 $109,730 - $132,764 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.
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.
Join our dedicated and collaborative Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch!
Due to internal progression, the Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch at VGSO are looking for motivated and experienced lawyers looking for a challenging and rewarding role. We want you to be part of our team!
About the branch: Our branch provides specialist legal services to a wide range of government clients and departments, tackling matters that are both high profile and of public interest. Our areas of expertise include:
- General civil, police civil, and tortious claims
- State care, personal injury, and negligence claims
- Contempt of court, defamation, injunctions, and vexatious litigant applications
- Inquests, supervision order matters, judicial review, and statutory interpretation
- Commercial litigation
About the Role: As a Senior Solicitor in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch, you will play a pivotal role in supporting and managing complex and sensitive litigation across a diverse range of cases. Your responsibilities will include:
- Handling personal injury litigation (negligence and breach of statutory duty)
- Addressing historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in state care
- Managing contempt of court and vexatious litigant claims
- Working on matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997
- Conducting judicial reviews, asset confiscation, coronial inquests, public liability cases, and subpoenas
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to support other streams of work within the branch, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.
Skills and Experience:
- Ability to review, manage, and conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, with a sound knowledge of relevant court practices and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to work on multiple complex files simultaneously
- Experience handling general personal injury matters and/or acting for insurers in civil litigation claims is highly regarded
- Proven ability to provide oral and written advice on complex and sensitive matters, and carry out thorough legal research and analysis
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work: Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.
- Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
- Collaborative Team: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality legal services.
If you are ready to take on a challenging role and contribute meaningful work for the state, we would love to hear from you!
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 the Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at 0408 353 909 or vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au .
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 3 April 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.