Managing Principal Solicitor

We're looking for a senior committed and enthusiastic lawyer to mentor and manage a team of lawyers and paralegals, and perform diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of real public interest
- Ongoing | Full time
- Hybrid working from home/office environment
- VPS 6.2 $157,356 - $180,115 p.a. + superannuation

About the VGSO
The VGSO provides legal services exclusively for the State.
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 team
The role sits within VGSO's Commercial, Property and Technology Branch which assists government clients to conduct significant transactions and projects, manage their corporate affairs and acquire, manage or dispose of land, goods or services. The branch offers specialist services in IP/IT, property and Native Title. It offers deep commercial expertise with a government perspective.
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a senior practitioner to provide highly specialised legal expertise and technical legal advice across government, with a focus on Traditional Owner rights and government decision making in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and human rights.
This is a great leadership role where you will have an opportunity to contribute to how the State responds to competing and complex claims, negotiates agreements and manages critical relationships, as it engages with Yoorrook, Treaty, native title claims and beyond, at a time of historic change in the relationship between First Peoples and the State.
The VGSO is the exclusive provider of native title services to government clients. We provide assistance ranging from representing the State in critically important native title litigation, to advice on the impacts of native title and related rights on major transactions, projects and land use.
The Native Title Team also works closely with other experts in relation to human rights, public land management and cultural heritage protection. This role would ideally suit a highly experienced practitioner, confident in taking carriage of significant and high profile matters, advising senior decision makers and appearing and instructing in court.
Skills in other areas serviced by the branch - including water, energy, property, construction or commercial law - are also highly regarded, but not essential.

**Responsibilities**:

- advise on compliance with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and/or the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) for infrastructure projects and mining;
- advise senior clients from across the public sector on Traditional Owner rights and government decision making in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and human rights;
- act in native title claims, litigation regarding Traditional Owner rights and government decision making and related mediations and case management hearings.

Skills and experience
- strong management and leadership skills, including supervision of junior and mid-level lawyers on small and large projects and files;
- ability to coordinate a busy practice in a fee for service environment;
- highly developed knowledge and understanding of basic principles and practice of native title a distinct advantage;
- strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation;
- demonstrated ability to carry out complex legal research and analysis;
- ability to efficiently provide expert and authoritative written and oral advice;
- excellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skills.

**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, 15 September 2024.