Lead Counsel, Police Advisory Branch

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time

Organisation: Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

**Salary**: $182,813 - $248,629

Occupation: Legal

Reference: VG/VGSO792
- Senior legal role with strong client focus and strategic management capability
- Diverse and high profile work on matters of public interest
- Ongoing | Full-time
- VPS 7 $182,813 - $248,629 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 role**

The Police Advisory Branch provides legal services, strategic advice and representation to the Chief Commissioner of Police and, by extension, all members of Victoria Police personnel across the State. The Police Advisory Branch is involved in a diverse range of matters, including but not limited to:

- Criminal law, inclusive of advising on, and representing the Chief Commissioner of Police in proceedings pertaining to, matters of criminal procedure and criminal disclosure;
- Advising on police duties, powers and responsibilities, including advising on and bringing of various specialised proceedings pertaining to operational policing in a dynamic and fast-paced environment;
- Statutory interpretation and matters of administrative law;
- Responding to subpoenas, including making claims of public interest immunity;
- Privacy and information sharing;

We are currently looking for a senior and experienced lawyer to join the Police Advisory Branch as Lead Counsel.

Reporting to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, this role has a significant strategic focus and will work closely with the other Lead Counsel leading the direction of the branch and providing highly specialised and sector-recognised legal expertise and people leadership. In addition, there is a key emphasis on leading client strategy and managing people and financial metrics, with a focus on:

- Client Relationship Management (CRM) deliverables;
- Change management approaches;
- Process improvement; and
- Organisational culture.

**Key responsibilities**
- Provide highly specialised legal expertise and technical legal advice across government;
- Provide strategic leadership to legal teams, ensuring the provision of high quality and responsive legal services and advice in alignment with the VGSO's Strategic Plan and the VGSO values; and
- Proactively advance the VGSO's client strategies, practice areas and client relationships in order to further develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities.

**About the successful applicant**

You are regarded as an expert; a senior and highly experienced legal practitioner with a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. You are excited to lead people leaders and understand the importance of having the right people, management and processes in place to facilitate the provision of high quality legal services to government clients. You are experienced in leading and developing high performing teams.

As such, you will be an experienced professional leader with the capacity to contribute strategically and drive continuous improvement. You will also have demonstrated business development and relationship management experience, with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships in order to grow the branch and its practice areas.

Please note a requirement of this role is holding a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or be willing to obtain one.

**Benefits**

In exchange for your hard work, you will receive; competitive remuneration, training and development opportunities and up to 17.5% annual leave loading. The VGSO embraces flexibility and welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance.

**About us**

The VGSO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical legal practice. We maintain a positive and vibrant team culture, where practitioners support and respect one another.
- We hold regular social events, including Branch trivia and gatherings.
- We embrace new technology and new ways of thinking in the delivery of our legal services.
- We believe in upskilling our staff in a safe and supportive learning environment.
- We're also conveniently located right next to Southern Cross Station with easy access to cafes, restaurants and nightlife.
- We offer hybrid and flexible work