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Job Description
Location: Melbourne | CBD
Job type: Full time / 3 year term
Organisation: Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
Salary: $279,239 - $401,017
Occupation: Legal
Reference: VG/VGSO640
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) embrace diversity amongst our staff and welcome applications from people from all cultural backgrounds, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as people with a disability. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au
- Unique opportunity for an innovative leader to manage and develop a large legal team
- Strategic leadership role and member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT)
- Diverse, challenging and high profile work
- SES 2 - $279,239 to $401,017 (TRP) | 3 year term
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.
The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. 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 Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) Branch is responsible for specialist litigation and advice in relation to regulation, administrative law and disciplinary reviews, inquiries and Royal Commissions. The branch comprises some 60 staff and collaborates with other VGSO branches as needed.
The legal demands across the teams encompass investigations and criminal procedure, merits review of administrative decisions, professional disciplinary proceedings and summary prosecutions, information sharing, privacy, freedom of information and integrity body inquiries. The branch is also responsible for the establishment of Royal Commissions, management of notices to produce (including document review), witness and hearing preparation, briefing and instructing counsel, State submissions and strategic responses, project management and reporting.
At times, the branch also provides litigation legal services on state care, personal injury and negligence claims.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity for a senior, experienced and innovative lawyer to join the VGSO as Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (AVGS), to lead and manage the IPA Branch and contribute to the overall leadership and future direction of the VGSO. The AVGS will provide and oversee the provision of timely and high quality legal and strategic advice to the Executive Government of Victoria, Ministers, Departments and other agencies on a wide range of complex matters.
As a member of the ELT, this role plays an important part in driving the VGSO's Strategic Plan and initiatives. The role will lead a large team of lawyers and legal support staff focused on proving high quality client services across a diverse portfolio. Project management and adaptability is key, as work flows shift and resources need to be allocated with little notice.
About the successful applicant
You are a senior, highly experienced and innovative litigation lawyer who is unfazed by a high volume of large-scale matters. You relish management of high profile, demanding litigation, often involving sensitive and complex information. You have proven ability to apply matter management tools, to initiate legal technology changes and ‘flex' to suit the needs of clients. A background in administrative and regulatory law, inquiries, Royal Commissions or similar would be useful, as would class action or coronial inquest (at volume) experience.
You have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. You are excited to lead a team of lawyers and understand the importance of having the right people, systems and processes in place to facilitate the provision of legal services to government clients. The opportunity to continue to build on existing technology and other project management solutions appeals.
As such, you will be an experienced professional leader with the capacity to contribute strategically, innovate and drive continuous improvement. You will also have demonstrated business development and relationship management experience, with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships in order to grow the branch and its practice areas. You will also be passionate about culture, values and employee wellbeing as you drive and embed these elements in your day to day work and across the branch.
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.
For a confidential discussion regarding this role, please contact Katherine Sampson on 0419 329 992 or katherine.sampson@mahlab.com.au
Please note the position description is attached to this advertisement.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 30 August 2023.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
