Senior Solicitor

About this role

At the Department of Justice and Community Safety, we’re looking for people who want to make a difference. People who take pride in their work. People who get things done. People who are committed to making Victoria a safer place. We embrace diversity and strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We’re all about recruiting the best people, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or cultural background. If you think you can do the job and would be a good fit for our department, we’d love to hear from you. The department is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and recognises that children’s rights need to be respected, their views welcomed and valued, and their concerns taken seriously and acted upon. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit justice.vic.gov.au/careers We’re proud of the important work we do across Victoria. Want to be part of it? Senior Solicitor • Use your legal skills to support important public decisions. • Work on complex matters that shape government services. • Build your expertise across regulatory law, litigation and administrative law. • Join an experienced legal team that values practical advice and sound judgement. • Fixed term, full-time role for 12 months earning $116,413 - $140,849 per year, plus super. About us The Office of the General Counsel (OGC) is responsible for providing in-house legal services across the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS) and to the Attorney-General and Justice Ministers. The Enforcement & Licensing team leads the delivery of legal services and specialised legal advice to support regulatory enforcement and internal review of administrative decision-making by the DJCS and employees, including managing the conduct and coordination of court and tribunal matters. What you will do As senior solicitor, you will provide expert legal advice that supports the department and Victorian Government. You will work on complex legal matters while helping deliver fair, lawful and well-informed decisions. You will: • provide authoritative legal advice on legislation, licensing, regulations and agreements • prepare briefs, manage tribunal matters and represent the department before VCAT when required • conduct prosecutions and advise on administrative law, privacy, freedom of information and contracts • review legal work completed by junior lawyers and support their development • build strong working relationships while managing legal matters with sound judgement. About you You must be admitted to practise as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Victoria and hold an unrestricted practising certificate. Experience in a regulatory environment will be highly regarded. You should also have: • strong experience providing legal advice on complex and sensitive matters • sound knowledge of administrative law, government processes and relevant Victorian legislation • excellent communication skills and the ability to explain difficult legal issues clearly • strong judgement, critical thinking and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. To learn even more about this role, please read the position description. If you have any further questions, feel free to email Matthew Littlejohn at [email protected] . Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) people are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about our Aboriginal workforce strategy. How to apply Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include national police checks and misconduct screening. If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to an y of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Child safe statement of commitment The Department of Justice and Community Safety is committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people. We seek to prevent harm of any kind impacting children and young people and have zero tolerance for racism, child abuse and inequality. Children and young people's rights, relationships, identity and culture must be recognised and respected, their voices heard, and their concerns acted upon. We aim to foster a culturally safe, child safe and child friendly environment for all children and young people we have contact with, deliver services to, or are impacted by our work.