THE ROLE

The Senior Solicitor role in the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) is responsible for providing state-wide legal advice, support and representation in child protection litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court, and related jurisdictions. The Senior Solicitor appears, in person, on behalf of the Secretary in the Children's Court of Victoria.

The statewide mobile legal team provides time limited support to Statewide CPLO legal teams across metropolitan and regional child protection service delivery areas, working across multiple regional and metropolitan Children's Court venues.

It is expected that this role will manage complex cases, provide high level advice and representation to child protection practitioners and have a focus on court appearance and advocacy work. The role will also have a focus on acquitting the Secretary's responsibilities under the Youth Justice Act 2024, including assisting the Criminal Division of the Children's Court of Victoria in criminal proceedings for a child. As well as this,the role is also key in supporting less experienced staff and delivering training. The role may also be required to undertake the Duty Allocation Lawyer Service, where relevant, at various Children's Court locations.

Pivotal to your success in this fulfilling role, the ideal candidates will possess:

• A demonstrated ability to quickly establish strong relationships with Area based child protection practitioners and senior managers, and build relationships with local practitioners and judiciary.
• Child protection litigation practice experience. Youth Justice experience would also be an advantage.
• Flexibility and agility in appearing in multiple regional and metropolitan court venues across the State.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

• Appear in complex and sensitive litigation involving the department in the Children's Court of Victoria, VCAT and other associated jurisdictions.
• Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and provide high level briefings and correspondence, advise on new and emerging issues in the law and their longer-term implications for the department
• Providing advice and representation to child protection in the acquittal of the Secretary's responsibilities in the Criminal Division of the Children's Court of Victoria under the Youth Justive Act 2024 including:
  • The preparion of information requested by the Court
  • Appearing on behalf of, or otherwise assisting the Secretary, in proceedings before the Court
  • Participation in early diversion group conferences

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.