Senior Solicitor

About this role

If you are passionate about criminal and regulatory law, supporting Victoria's primary industries and driving economic growth, then this is the position for you. We are seeking someone who is:

• Looking for an opportunity to learn, grow and achieve in a small supportive team environment
• Looking for a challenge and variety in legal practice
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated

The Prosecution Services branch forms part of Agriculture Victoria within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Prosecution Services provides a range of prosecution and enforcement services to internal and external regulators, primarily within the agriculture and resources portfolios.

The Senior Solicitor assists in the supervision of a small team whose primary function is to institute, manage and conduct appropriate enforcement action against persons alleged to have contravened legislation administered by the department and regulators supported by the team. This includes offences relating to animal welfare and cruelty, earth resources, invasive species, game, chemical standards and plant standards. The senior solicitor also provides support to solicitor prosecutors and assists with the provision of legal advice to internal and external regulators and stakeholders.

In accordance with the department's compliance policies and other relevant policies and guidelines, the Senior Solicitor ensures that any enforcement action taken by the department is fair, proportionate and in accordance with law.

The incumbent must be an experienced legal practitioner with at least five years of post-admission experience in the practice of criminal law in Victoria (or equivalent experience), and who can undertake criminal prosecutions and appear as advocate in Court for the department.

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, the Senior Solicitor maintains close liaison with the operational areas of the department and provides high level written and oral advice on procedural, evidentiary and legal matters to relevant regulators within the agriculture and resources portfolios.

The successful applicant will work effectively as a member of a team, enjoy flexible working arrangements and undertake a wide variety of work.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in law; admitted to practice as an Australian Legal Practitioner with at least 5 years post-admission experience as a criminal lawyer (or equivalent experience as a prosecutor).
• Knowledge and practical experience in the conduct of criminal proceedings in Victoria, including demonstrated competence appearing as a solicitor advocate as well as the ability to engage and instruct Counsel in contested hearings.
• A current and unrestricted Legal Practising Certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Thursday,

Other relevant information:

If you are current Victorian Public Service (VPS) employee, employed on an ongoing, fixed term or casual basis you are eligible to apply for this role. People on labour hire contracts, such as agency staff and contractors, are not eligible to apply.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.  

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.  

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.