An exciting opportunity has become available for a lawyer with native title law experience to join our team to assist in responding to the growing demand for native title legal services. You will provide high quality legal services to government clients in relation to the resolution of high profile Native Title matters. Your work will contribute meaningfully to improving relations between the State and First People's around Victoria and has historically involved attending to matters on-Country. You will work in an interesting, complex and motivating field of legal practice

• Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government in the area of native title
• Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest
• Ongoing | Full-time
• VPS 5 $109,730 - $132,764 p.a. + superannuation (depending on experience)

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law 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 branch

The Commercial, Property and Technology (CP&T) Branch 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.

The Native Title Team's practice spans both litigation and advice work. Our litigation work involves acting for the State of Victoria as first respondent to Native Title claims and heavily focuses on mediation and consent determination processes. The advice work of the Native Title team involves providing advice to a range of Departments and statutory agencies in relation to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic).

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and experienced lawyer to join the Native Title Team at the VGSO at a time when the law about Traditional Owner rights is developing both at the State, national and international level.

The primary objectives of this role will be to:

• Advise 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.
• Advise clients from across the public sector on compliance with settlement agreements and relevant legislation including:
• Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
• Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic)
• Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic)
• Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic)
• Advancing the Treaty Process with Aboriginal Victorians Act 2018 (Vic)
• Draft court documents and settlement agreements, including Indigenous Land Use Agreements pursuant to the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)
• Work closely with the Public Law team on matters affecting Traditional Owner rights and government decision making
• Undertake statutory interpretation and review administrative decision making

About the successful candidate

• Interest in the principles and practice of native title and administrative law
• Excellent legal research and analytical skills
• Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation
• The ability to contribute to manaing complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals
• Significant experience providing 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

If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now! Applications must include a cover letter and resume. 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 Syreeta Robinson, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0438 763 810 or vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au .

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 19 September.

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