Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $162,077 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6.2
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO924
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves 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. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass, which guide how we work together in everything we do: Proud of what we do; Value every voice; Learn, grow, thrive; Always evolving; Act with care.
About the branch
The Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) branch of the VGSO comprises a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to; Regulation, Administrative Law and Disciplinary Reviews, Inquiries, Royal Commissions and litigation on state care, personal injury and negligence claims. The branch is led by the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (IPA) and is supported by approximately 45 solicitors and legal support who work within teams.
The Administrative and Regulatory Law teams provide litigation services and legal advice in the following areas; investigations and criminal procedure, merits review of administrative decisions and related court proceedings, business and occupational licensing, conduct reviews, professional disciplinary proceedings and summary prosecutions, freedom of information, information sharing and privacy and integrity body inquiries.
The Inquiries teams provide specialist legal services and legal advice in relation to Inquiries and Royal Commissions including the establishment of Royal Commissions (exclusive services), management of notices to produce including document review, witness and hearing preparation, briefing and instructing counsel, State submissions and strategic responses, project management and reporting.
The branch also offers specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury, and negligence claims. The civil litigation team primarily handles claims brought by former wards of the State and others who have experienced similar circumstances, including cases involving historical institutional abuse.
About the role
We are looking for a senior, experienced and high-performing public lawyer to be a part of the leadership team in our administrative law and prosecutions portfolios.
The role is one of three Managing Principal Solicitor positions reporting to the Lead Counsel and proactively supporting the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor to ensure the provision of high quality legal services in all aspects of matters the management of administrative law, regulatory enforcement and statutory interpretation.
This is a strategic leadership role that is responsible for providing highly specialised legal expertise and authoritative advice across government, with a focus on administrative law, regulatory enforcement and statutory interpretation.
In addition to legal expertise, the role provides strategic leadership across the branch, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. It includes people leadership and operational oversight, with an emphasis on client relationship management, change management and process improvement initi atives.
The role plays a key role in the financial management of the branch. The successful applicant will be responsible for maintaining established practice areas and billable targets, while identifying new opportunities for work. The role comes with an opportunity to develop and lead new practice areas within the IPA Branch.
This is a unique opportunity to influence legal outcomes on matters of public interest, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the delivery of legal services across government.
About the successful applicant
You are a senior and highly experienced legal practitioner, recognised for your expertise in administrative law and regulatory enforcement. You have demonstrated experience running merits review, judicial review and regulatory enforcement proceedings. You have established legal technical skills, with recognised expertise in advice writing and statutory interpretation.
You bring a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government, along with the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. Your ability to navigate complex legal environments with discretion and strategic insight sets you apart.
You are motivated by the opportunity to lead other people leaders and understand the importance of having the right people, systems, and processes in place to deliver high-quality legal services to government clients.
You have a proven track record in building and developing high-performing teams and thrive in environments that demand strategic thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.
As a professional leader, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You thrive in a billable legal environment, and have demonstrated business development and client relationship management experience.
Please note: Previous experience in administrative law and regulatory enforcement matters is essential.
Appointments are typically made at the base of the grade; however, remuneration may be negotiated commensurate with skills and experience.
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 'Apply Now' to start your application. Applications must include:
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 talent acquisition team via email at [email protected]
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 4 January 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.