Description:
- Provide specialist legal services to Government on public law matters, including constitutional matters
- Supervise, mentor and develop solicitors as part of a collaborative leadership team
- Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
- Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time
- VPS 6.2 $162,077 - $185,518 plus superannuation per annum
About the VGSO
The 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 branch and team
The Constitution and Advice Team is part of the Public Law and Planning Branch at VGSO. The Public Law and Planning branch operates in the epicentre of public law practice in Victoria. The team's practice spans both advice work and litigation. The advice work includes complex advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation, as well as on various areas of exclusive VGSO work such as Federal and State constitutional law and Treaty and judicial review proceedings. Its litigation focusses primarily on constitutional matters (usually in the High Court) and judicial review proceedings.
The team's subject areas include:
- State and federal constitutional law;
- The application, interpretation and development of legislation (including in administrative decision-making);
- Public sector governance and integrity;
- Integrity body (including parliamentary) inquiries;
- Victoria's First Peoples, including Treaty; and
- Judicial review of administrative decisions.
About the role
We are seeking a senior and experienced lawyer to join the Constitution and Advice Team as a Managing Principal Solicitor.
Working closely with the Lead Counsel for the Constitution and Advice Team, this role provides professional leadership to and management of a team of public law solicitors, while providing high quality legal services to Government and efficiently managing advisory and litigation files in complex public law matters relating to the powers of government and the regulation of government power.
Skills and experience
The ideal applicant will have demonstrated people leadership capability and be eager to supervise, mentor and develop a team of solicitors as part of a leadership team.
Along with excellent substantive legal skills and the ability to develop positive client relationships, applicants should also be able to demonstrate sound judgment on complex public law matters - ideally both in an advisory and litigious context - based upon relevant experience.
Although not essential, an understanding of the structure and culture of government would be beneficial. Experience in, or a strong interest in, constitutional law is also 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 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
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, via vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au .
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 14 May 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.