Principal Solicitor

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Ongoing - full time or part time

Organisation: Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

**Salary**: $134,593 - $157,355

Occupation: Legal

Reference: VG/VGSO830
- Unique opportunity to work at the heart of government and represent the State in a broad range of litigation across multiple jurisdictions
- Role will focus on complex and sensitive litigation and providing operational advice in relation to the Serious Offenders Act 2018
- Criminal law / quasi-criminal law experience will be highly regarded
- Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time (open to discussing job sharing arrangements)
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- VPS 6.1 - $134,593 - $157,355 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. The VGSO is a progressive and forward-thinking organisation.

**About the branch**

The Litigation and Dispute Resolution (L&DR) Branch is a team of approximately 60 legal practitioners and an additional team of 35 (approx.) legal support staff, including paralegals that provide specialist legal services to a large number of government clients and departments.

**About the role**

An exciting opportunity has become available for a senior and experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as a Principal Solicitor in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch.

This role has a core focus on providing legal services to one of our key clients, Corrections Victoria. You will be required to efficiently manage complex and sensitive litigation and provide operational advice in relation to the Serious Offenders Act 2018 (Vic). As a Principal Solicitor, a core focus of this role is assisting with the supervision and mentoring of junior solicitors.

To diversify files, this role may also provide support to other streams of work undertaken by the branch. This could include matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (Vic), judicial review, contempt of court, vexatious litigant claims, asset confiscation, coronial inquests, public liability, subpoenas, general civil claims, tortious claims, and personal injury claims.

**Skills and experience**
- Criminal law / quasi-criminal law experience would be advantageous and highly regarded
- Demonstrated experience in conducting complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practice and procedure
- Experience providing comprehensive written and oral legal advice which is fit for purpose
- Experience acting for government or statutory authorities
- Proven experience supervising and/or mentoring staff
- Good interpersonal communication skills to truly connect with team-members and work together to deliver exceptional results for our clients
- Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environment
- Practical and client focused problem solving and research skills
- A strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pressure

**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 welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance. We currently work in a hybrid environment with employees enjoying a balance of working from home and in the office.

**How to apply**

**Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 14 January 2025.