• Senior role leading, mentoring and managing a team of lawyers and paralegals
• Diverse and high profile work on matters of public interest
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full-time
• VPS 6.2 $152,773 - $174,869 plus superannuation per annum

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.

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.

The Branch enjoys an extraordinary diversity of exciting and challenging litigation, working on matters which are topical and often involve public interest issues. Matters cover areas such as general civil claims, tortious claims and personal injury claims by prisoners, police civil claims, negligence, State care and personal injury matters, commercial law, defamation, injunctions, contempt of court, judicial review (Order 56 of the Supreme Court Rules), vexatious litigant applications, statutory interpretation, inquests, Crimes (Mental Impairment & Unfitness to be Tried) Act matters, supervision order matters, subpoenas, warrants of seizure and sale.

About the role

We are seeking a senior and experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as a Managing Principal Solicitor in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch.

Reporting to Lead Counsel, the successful candidate will lead and supervise a team of lawyers and paralegals, while providing high level legal advice across Government. The role requires the efficient management of complex and sensitive litigation with a particular focus on State care, personal injury and negligence claims.

The ideal applicant will be dynamic and responsive, have demonstrated people leadership capability and be eager to supervise, mentor and develop a team of lawyers. Collaboration is fundamental to success in this role and applicants must be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch and contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant experience. Previous experience handling broad personal injury and negligence matters is essential.

Along with the ability to develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities, applicants will benefit from having a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.

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

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now!

Applications must include a brief cover letter and resume that outlines your experience relevant to this role. Please note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately but applicants should outline their relevant experience in their cover letter.

To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Advisor on 0408 353 909.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 5 May 2024.

Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.