Lead Counsel, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Location: Melbourne | CBD

Job type: Full time / 18 months

Organisation: Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

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

Occupation: Legal

Reference: VG/VGSO809
- Senior legal role with strong client focus and strategic management capability
- Unique opportunity to provide legal advice to government on public interest matters
- Responsible for managing senior people leaders
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- 12 month Fixed-term/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**

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**

The Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch is seeking a senior and highly experienced litigator to join the VGSO as one of its Lead Counsels. You will report directly to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor of the Branch and will be part of a leadership team with deep experience in public law. This role will focus on:

- providing legal advice to clients in relation to complex and sensitive litigation
- working with teams to establish a clear strategy for individual matters
- establishing and managing key client relationships
- managing people leaders - and you will be required to draw upon your highly developed interpersonal skills
- identifying areas for process and systems improvements
- About the successful applicants

You are regarded as 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. Expertise in personal injuries litigation is welcomed.

You are adept at delivering legal services in a manner which is fit for purpose, whether that is providing robust written advice for a legal audience or explaining a litigation strategy to a ministerial one.

You understand the importance of having the right people, management and processes in place and are experienced in leading and developing high performing individuals and/or teams. You can lead teams and manage projects, whether their timelines are short or longer term. You rise to a challenge but you bring others along with you.

As such, you will have the capacity to contribute strategic insight and drive continuous improvement. You will also have demonstrated business development and relationship management experience and have the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships.

**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 Sunday, 3 November 2024.