• We have an exciting permanent, full-time opportunity for a Senior Solicitor to join the team
• $140,768 - $163,420 base salary plus 12% super
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements are available
Our purpose,as the Victorian Government energy safety regulator, is to keep Victorians energy safe and ensure energy is used confidently. Through education, regulation and enforcement, we work to ensure that energy safety, supply and efficiency are a priority in Victoria and something the Victorian public can be confident in. Our people come from a wide range of professions with diverse skills and experience driving the success of Energy Safe Victoria.
About the opportunity
The Senior Solicitor – Enforcement, reports to the Prosecution Manager. They are responsible for providing timely, practical and considered legal advice to ensure Energy Safe Victoria is well placed to take strong enforcement action and respond to appeals against administrative decisions.
The appointee will work closely with investigators and field staff to support investigations, provide advice in relation to the exercise of powers and enforcement action, conduct prosecutions on behalf of Energy Safe, and manage administrative appeals at VCAT. The appointee will also contribute to Energy Safe's internal review function and assist in subpoena management.
The Prosecution team is a key part of the Legal and Procurement Department, which provides timely, practical, and high-quality legal advice across Energy Safe on general commercial and compliance matters, administrative law, privacy, statutory interpretation and procurement. The Department forms part of the Legal, Governance and Regulatory Policy Division, which supports Energy Safe to deliver its strategies to ensure that energy is safe for all Victorians and our environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Review and advise on briefs of evidence (BOE) regarding suitability for prosecution or other enforcement action, including working with field staff and investigators to ensure enforcement action is supported by strong, admissible evidence.
- Provide strategic, timely, and expert verbal and written advice on complex issues of statutory interpretation, criminal procedure, common law considerations, administrative decision making, and proposed enforcement action.
- Prepare and conduct prosecutions and other court/tribunal proceedings on Energy Safe's behalf, including:
- preparation, filing and service of briefs of evidence, charges, court applications and/or tribunal documents
- coordinating court/tribunal appearances and liaison with all relevant stakeholders, including investigators, external agencies, accused/defendant, witnesses, victims and the court/tribunal registries
- briefing and instructing external legal advisors on behalf of Energy Safe.
- appearing on Energy Safe's behalf in courts and tribunals for prosecutions, civil penalty proceedings, appeals and merits/judicial review applications.
- Undertake, internal reviews in relation to infringement notices and other administrative decisions.
- Brief senior management, the Executive and the Commission on complex legal matters and recommendations, taking account of Energy Safe's strategic objectives and risk appetite and other key policies.
- Contribute to and support the reform and policy work led out of other Energy Safe Departments including Learning and Development, Regulatory Policy and Legislation Departments.
- Develop and manage effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders including industry representatives, co-regulators and peak bodies, and keep abreast of enforcement matters and trends.
- Practice strong governance and ethics in legal practice, including but not limited to ensuring:
- relevant legal reporting requirements are met in a timely manner, including team records and registers; and
- activities c
omply with legal, professional and ethical standards.
- support and mentor junior staff in the Legal teams.
- Other relevant duties as required, including but not limited to:
- responding to subpoenas and other statutory information requests
- advising on the enforceability of administrative decisions and instruments
- reviewing media releases and public facing communications
To be successful, you'll have:
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in Law and admitted to practice as an Australian Lawyer.
- Hold or be eligible to hold a current Practising Certificate in Victoria.
- Alignment with Energy Safe Victoria's values of integrity, engagement, adaptability, respect and excellence.
- Ability to adapt, collaborate and support team and organisational goals.
- Strong criminal law knowledge with significant prosecution and advocacy experience (case preparation, briefing Counsel, appearances in the Magistrates' Court and/or VCAT).
- Ability to take a strategic, risk‑based approach to prosecution and advice work aligned to organisational objectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex legal issues into practical advice for senior leaders.
- Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple matters independently.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with multi‑disciplinary teams and external legal stakeholders.
- High‑level analytical and problem‑solving skills under time pressure.
Desired
- Experience working in or advising government or regulatory agencies.
- Experience applying Victorian energy safety or occupational health and safety laws.
- Experience delivering training on prosecutions or regulatory decision‑making.
- Experience reviewing subpoenas or statutory notices.
- Experience appearing or instructing at VCAT.
- Interest in improving processes and ways of working.
- Experience with AI tools, including Microsoft Copilot.
Please refer to the available position description to assess your suitability and submit your current resume and cover letter via the Apply button. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Energy Safe will conduct relevant checks about applicants and the information provided with an application including reference checks and a satisfactory National Police Check.
Energy Safe Victoria values the unique backgrounds, experiences, and contributions that each person brings to our organisation and welcomes and celebrates diversity. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community that we are here to protect. We invite you to talk to us about any preferences or adjustments you may value or require to either the recruitment process or the role itself. If you identify as a person with disability, please let us know how we can provide additional support.
For a confidential discussion, please contact People and Culture via [email protected].
Applications close at midnight 8 April 2026. This advertisement may close prior to the closure date without notice, if a high volume of applications is received, therefore we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.