THE ROLE

Reporting to the Head of Legal, Public Law and Privacy, the Principal Solicitor will play a central role in managing legal risk for the department in litigation and public law related matters and provide expert policy and legal advice to the ministers, Secretary, the department and relevant administrative offices. The role focus is on civil proceedings initiated in relation to alleged historical institutional abuse and personal injury matters.

The successful applicant will have experience in litigation and, ideally, personal injury or institutional abuse matters. The  Principal Solicitor will be responsible for overseeing sensitive litigation with minimal supervision in the portfolio of families, children and disability. They may be required to provide legal and policy advice on a variety of public law issues, including administrative law, litigation, equal opportunity and human rights .

It is expected the successful applicant will possess highly developed statutory interpretation, conceptual, analytical and problem solving skills, combined with a flexible approach.

The Principal Solicitor's role is key in providing leadership, support and mentorship to the solicitors in the team, and in advising on strategic matters related to their work.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Lead the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost-effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters with the aim of effectively and cooperatively resolving issues and ensuring the department adopts a culture of continual service improvement.
• Lead the provision of practical, strategic support in the management of department litigation and legal disputes.
• Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations.

Please open the position description to read more.

HOW TO APPLY

Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. 
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. 
Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.

For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)

Please apply to submit your interest in this position.