Managing Principal Solicitor, Police Advisory - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

Job Description

Senior Role Overview Leading, mentoring, and managing a small team of legal practitioners. Exposure to interesting legal work and high-profile issues. Hybrid working from home/office environment. Full-time or Part-time | Fixed-term | 13 months. VPS 6.2 $157,356 - $180,115 p.a. + superannuation. About the VGSO The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State. 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 Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of Victoria Police and police enforcement activities and functions. Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including statutory interpretation, criminal law offences and procedure, subpoenas (which raise claims of public interest immunity), assistance with criminal disclosure, administrative law, privacy and information sharing, police functions and powers, protection of vulnerable witnesses, media and defamation, forensic procedures, intervention order applications, emergency management, and assistance in complying with production orders in the Court of Appeal (including making claims of public interest immunity). A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement. About the Role We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as Managing Principal Solicitor in our Police Advisory Branch. Reporting to a Lead Counsel within the VGSO's Police Advisory Branch, you will lead and supervise a team of lawyers while providing high-level legal and strategic advice. This role will require you to exercise sound judgment, quite regularly under time pressure. The ideal applicant will be dynamic and responsive and able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant legal experience. Ideally, this experience will be in a policing or law enforcement environment. Applicants must have demonstrated people leadership capability and the ability to supervise and mentor lawyers and be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch, contributing to initiatives that will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment. In addition to this, the successful candidate should have demonstrated experience and understanding of the principles and practice of law, including the provision of expert and authoritative legal advice and representation in all or some of the varied and diverse areas of practice of the Police Advisory Branch: Advising on police duties, powers, and responsibilities at common law and under statute. Statutory interpretation, generally, as it arises in an operational policing context or as part of Victoria Police's administrative obligations. Criminal law, including criminal disclosure obligations. Responding to subpoenas, including making claims of public interest immunity, where appropriate. Advising on matters of administrative law, including privacy and information sharing. Forensic procedures. Specialised litigation and applications, which are necessary in an operational policing context. Emergency management. Representing Victoria Police in summary prosecutions and intervention order applications. Along with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships, applicants should have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. Please note a requirement of this role is holding a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or be willing to obtain one. 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 welcomes a conversation to help you achieve work-life balance. We currently work in a hybrid environment with employees enjoying a balance of working from home and in the office. 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 Syreeta Robinson, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0438 763 810 or via Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday 20 February 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr