Managing Principal Solicitor

THE ROLE

The Managing Principal Solicitor leads and manages a team of solicitors within the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) who are responsible for providing legal advice, support and representation in child protection litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and related jurisdictions.

The Managing Principal Solicitor plays a lead role in the management of staff and provides practical and strategic legal advice, conducts litigation, and instructs and appears, in person, on behalf of the Secretary to the department in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court and related jurisdictions.

It is expected that the Managing Principal Solicitor works closely with Senior Legal Counsel and the Executive team in strategic and operational planning, including long term planning to improve legal services and client outcomes. The role will also manage highly complex cases and provide authoritative advice to child protection practitioners.

ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE

The Statewide CPLO provides legal services to Child Protection teams within the department, including representation of the department in the Children's Court and appeals to the Supreme Court, as well as advice on the exercise of statutory functions.

• Lead the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost-effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters.
• Provide effective leadership and management to a team of employees by:

(a)    Supporting individuals to achieve their potential while maximising their contribution to achieve their goals and outcomes.

(b)    Modelling behaviours integral to good people management and Departmental values.

(c)    Managing and monitor specific improvement objectives in annual improvement plans.

• Appear in litigation involving highly complex matters for the department in a wide range of courts and tribunals including the Family Division of the Children's Court and in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and VCAT.  

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.