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 peopleandculture@vgso.vic.gov.au

• Senior role managing complex and sensitive litigation matters
• Experience handling general civil/personal injury claims would be highly regarded
• Multiple roles available
• Ongoing | Full-time (open to discussing flexible work arrangements)
• VPS 6.1 $127,467 - $149,024 p.a. + superannuation

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 and role

The Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch provides specialist legal services to a large number of government clients and departments on matters which are topical and often involve public interest issues, such as:

• General civil, police civil and tortious claims;
• Commercial litigation;
• State care, personal injury and negligence claims;
• Contempt of court, defamation, injunctions and vexatious litigant applications; and
• Inquests, supervision order matters, judicial review and statutory interpretation.

We are seeking senior and experienced lawyers to join the VGSO as Principal Solicitors in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Branch to assist in responding to the growing demand of our legal services.

In these roles, you will be required to efficiently manage complex and sensitive litigation across a variety of State care and personal injury matters, including historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in the care of the State, matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 and general civil claims. As needs arise and to diversify your files, you will also provide support to other streams of work undertaken by the branch.

Skills and experience

• The ability to independently review, manage and conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practice and procedure.
• Experience handling general civil/personal injury claims would be advantageous and highly regarded.
• Significant experience in providing highly specialised expert and authoritative oral and/or written advice and a clear understanding of the implications and effects of decisions made on the basis of that advice.
• Demonstrated ability to work on a number of complex files simultaneously.
• Proven experience in supervising, leading and mentoring staff.

Benefits

In exchange for your hard work, you will receive; competitive remuneration, training and development opportunities and up to 17.5% annual leave loading.

The VGSO embraces flexibility and welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance.

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.

To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, on 0498 649 226..

Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, 4 July 2022.

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

The VGSO is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees consistent with the VGSO's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic). Therefore, there is a requirement that all VGSO employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to undertake duties outside of their homes.

Prior to commencement of employment with the VGSO you will need to provide evidence that you are vaccinated against COVID-19. Acceptable evidence includes:

• COVID-19 digital certificate (available via your myGov account);
• Your immunisation history statement (available via your myGov account); or
• A letter from the GP who vaccinated you.