Principal Solicitor

An exciting opportunity for an experienced Principal Solicitor to join a forward-thinking State government legal team that supports the diverse work of the Department by being a responsive, strategic advisory service delivering complex, high-value work.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is looking for a Principal Solicitor to join a skilled in-house legal team, within the Legal and Legislation Division in an ongoing role.

The Principal Solicitor is a senior member of the legal team and provides leadership in the delivery of high quality, accurate and strategic legal advice and litigation support, with a core focus on administrative law, statutory interpretation, property (Crown land use and development), natural resource management and Traditional Owner frameworks and Aboriginal inclusion / native title and Traditional Owner self-determination.

The Principal Solicitor is required to have experience at a senior level in at least two of the core areas, ideally in a government context.

About the role:

In this role, you will lead projects, supervise the work of other lawyers, participate in multi-disciplinary project teams and work with the Division's management team to ensure the delivery of accurate, fit for purpose advice and strong organisational risk management.

The role is part of a highly skilled legal team, working closely with the department's eight groups plus Solar Victoria, and Resources Victoria to support the delivery of priority policy initiatives, programs and operations to the Victorian community to optimise success and minimise and mitigate risks for government.

About you:

The role is for an experienced lawyer who is looking to join an engaging, dynamic legal practice and to contribute to an inclusive and team-oriented workplace culture that is collaborative, professional and engaged.

If you want to be a part of a high performing, exciting, interesting and busy legal team, we welcome your application.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An Australian lawyer holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria).
• Demonstrated ability to perform unsupervised and deliver and supervise the delivery of – in a timely manner and at a level of excellence including when under time pressure – accurate, concise, clear and authoritative legal advice in the core areas of administrative law (including operation of government and an awareness of Constitutional issues) and statutory interpretation, commercial and contract matters, litigation and dispute resolution, and an ability to manage significant and/or high profile litigation. Experience operating at a senior level in two of these areas is mandatory and highly regarded in all.
• Strong experience in either broader general in-house or government legal practice and/or some of the department's areas of specialisation: environmental law, energy law, First Nations self-determination and related frameworks, agriculture, Crown land use and development, natural resource management and fire and emergency management, commissions and inquiries.

This is an ongoing position available. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 14 July2024.

Other relevant information:

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