Managing Principal Solicitor, Workplace Relations & Occupational Safety - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

About this role

• Outstanding opportunity for a senior workplace relations lawyer to join our high performing workplace relations team
• Work on diverse, complex and challenging advice work and litigation matters
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full time
• VPS 6.2 $157,356 - $180,115 plus superannuation per annum

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 our branch

Workplace Relations and Occupational Safety provides advice and conducts litigation in relation to all aspects of Victorian public sector employment, industrial relations, occupational health and safety and discrimination law.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a senior and experienced lawyer to join the team as a Managing Principal Solicitor and assist in responding to the ever-growing demand for our legal services.

The roles involve working closely with Lead Counsel, and the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, in efficiently managing a mix of Employment Relations (ER) matters, including;

• Enterprise agreement interpretation and industrial disputes
• Employment related litigation in the Fair Work Commission, VCAT and the Courts, including unfair dismissal and general protections claims and sexual harassment and discrimination claims
• Advice on employment related issues including workplace behaviour and performance, workplace investigations, bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination
• Providing public law advice related to the employment of public service and public sector executives

Additionally, you will supervise and mentor junior solicitors and paralegals, contributing to a positive and cohesive working environment.

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. Applicants must be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch, contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment and brief and communicate effectively with senior VGSO executives and public servants.

Skills and experience

• Extensive experience in representing clients at the Fair Work Commission, VCAT, and the Courts
• High-quality advisory skills: Proven ability to provide high-quality written and oral advice that is fit for purpose
• Interpersonal communication: Excellent communication skills to connect with team members and deliver exceptional results for clients
• Time management: Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Client relationships: Ability to develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities
• Problem-solving: Practical and client-focused problem-solving and research skills
• Responsiveness: Strong focus on responsiveness and ability to work under pressure
• Leadership: Proven experience in supervising, leading, and mentoring staff
• Government background: Experience in government-related legal work would also be valuable but is not required

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality legal services.

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and contribute to the meaningful work of the State, we would love to hear from you!

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 recognises the importance of work-life balance. We offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to spend half of their time working remotely and the other half in the office. This setup encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

How to apply

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

Click the 'Apply Now' to start your application. Applications must include:

• a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages)
• resume

Please note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately, but applicants should outline their relevant skills/experience and suitability to the role in their cover letter.

To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact the Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner at 0408 353 909 or vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 9 April 2025

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