Managing Principal Solicitor, Police Advisory

Senior role leading, mentoring and managing a small team of legal practitioners
- Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile issues
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- Full-time or Part-time | Fixed-term
- VPS 6.2 $157,356 - $180,115 p.a. + superannuation

**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 Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of Victoria Police and police enforcement activities and functions.

**About the role**

We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as Managing Principal Solicitor in our Police Advisory Branch. Reporting to a Lead Counsel within the VGSO's Police Advisory Branch, you will lead and supervise a team of lawyers, while providing high level legal and strategic advice. This role will require you to exercise sound judgment, quite regularly under time pressure.

The ideal applicant will be dynamic and responsive and able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant legal experience. Ideally, this experience will be in a policing or law enforcement environment

Applicants must have demonstrated people leadership capability and the ability to supervise and mentor lawyers and be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch, contributing to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.
- Advising on police duties, powers and responsibilities at common law and under statute;
- Statutory interpretation, generally, as it arises in an operational policing context or as part of Victoria Police's administrative obligations;
- Criminal law, including criminal disclosure obligations;
- Responding to subpoenas, including making claims of public interest immunity, where appropriate;
- Advising on matters of administrative law, including privacy and information sharing;
- Forensic procedures;
- Emergency management; and

Along with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships, applicants should have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.

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**

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 Thursday 20 February 2025.