Principal Lawyer and Manager, Regulatory and Complex Disputes Unit

4 weeks ago


Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Department of Education Full time
Overview

Principal Lawyer and Manager, Regulatory and Complex Disputes Unit at the Department of Education. This is an ongoing, full-time role to co-lead and co-manage the Regulatory and Complex Disputes (RCD) unit, providing expert legal advice and managing litigation in nominated areas including occupational health and safety, complex disputes involving schools, early childhood regulation, FOI and privacy disputes, coronial investigations and the School Community Safety Order Scheme. The role requires collaborative strategic leadership with Directors and other Principal Lawyers and Managers across the Workplace and Education Law (WEL) branch.

Responsibilities
  • Co-lead and co-manage the Regulatory and Complex Disputes (RCD) unit to provide expert legal advice.
  • Manage litigation in the nominated areas, including occupational health and safety, complex disputes involving schools, early childhood regulation, FOI and privacy disputes, coronial investigations and the School Community Safety Order Scheme.
  • Collaborate with Directors and other Principal Lawyers and Managers across the Workplace and Education Law branch to deliver work priorities.
  • Manage significant, sensitive and high-profile litigation in commissions, courts and tribunals; brief external firms and, at times, directly brief barristers; may undertake advocacy and representation in VCAT, courts, commissions and statutory boards.
  • Prioritise matters and provide urgent advice where necessary; demonstrate core capabilities in communication, leadership, people management and stakeholder management.
Qualifications and Skills
  • Capacity to prioritise matters and provide urgent advice when needed.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, people management and stakeholder management skills.
  • Experience in litigation and legal practice relevant to education, including areas such as occupational health and safety, FOI and privacy, and regulatory matters affecting schools and early childhood services.
What We Offer
  • Challenging, purpose-based work that makes a difference as part of a passionate, high-performing team.
  • Meaningful, varied work that helps shape Victoria's future and serves the community; opportunities to explore public service careers.
  • Flexible and hybrid working arrangements including part-time options and flexible start/finish times; work from home to support work and personal commitments.
  • Competitive salary with bi-annual increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
  • Diversity and inclusion commitment with a workforce representing the community served.
  • Public sector values including Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights; values guide interactions with colleagues, students, families, suppliers and government.
  • Employee assistance program for emotional, mental and general wellbeing support.
How To Apply

For more information review the attached position description. Applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter summarising skills and experience (no more than two pages). For a confidential discussion regarding the role, contact Emily Lett, Director, Workplace and Education Law Branch, 03 7022 1177. Visit How to apply for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.

Location

Docklands, Victoria, Australia; also listed locations include South Melbourne, Melbourne and surrounding areas.


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