- Utilise your legal expertise to work within the Office of the Solicitor-General for Victoria
- VPS Grade 5 $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation
There are two fixed-term, full-time opportunities available for approximately 12 months each. One role commences in February 2027 and the other in July 2027.
About us
The Solicitor-General for Victoria is the Government's most senior professional legal adviser and advocate. The Solicitor-General provides legal advice to Government on constitutional and other significant legal matters and appears in court as senior counsel in significant cases where the Government is a party or is intervening.
About the role
The two Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General are responsible for providing assistance with legal advice and litigation generally, including research and drafting, assisting with the day-to-day coordination of the Solicitor-General's practice, liaising with counsel and instructing solicitors working with the Solicitor-General, and otherwise supporting the Solicitor-General's work as directed. Counsel Assisting will also travel with the Solicitor-General to Canberra for matters in the High Court of Australia, where required.
Key accountabilities include:
- Undertake legal research and analysis of complex legal issues across diverse areas of law, including primarily constitutional and administrative law.
- Assist in the preparation of legal advice and cases in which the Solicitor-General is briefed.
- Proofread all submissions, pleadings, memoranda and other documents that leave the Solicitor-General's Office.
- Work in a collaborative manner as part of a small team (with the other Counsel Assisting and the Executive Assistant) and maintain a professional, respectful and positive work environment.
- Liaise with various stakeholders, including the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office, Government Departments and barristers engaged to act with the Solicitor-General.
- Provide administrative and operational assistance in the day-to-day operations of the Solicitor-General's Office.
- Maintain confidentiality in respect of all work performed within the Office.
About you
You have a strong interest in public law, especially constitutional law. You are an independent and innovative thinker who enjoys applying the law to solve complex problems. You have strong organisational skills, a positive attitude and work collaboratively with others to achieve outcomes. You are able to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple complex tasks. You thrive in a busy and dynamic work environment.
The following qualifications and experience are essential:
- You must be admitted to the Australian legal profession and be eligible to hold a practicing certificate upon commencement.
- Experience in legal practice, whether in private practice and/or within Government.
Other desirable attributes and experience include:
- Experience working as a Judge's Associate and/or a postgraduate qualification in law.
- Experience in litigation and/or advising, preferably in public law.
- An understanding of the provision of legal services to Government, including model litigant and confidentiality obligations.
The key selection criteria for the role are contained in the Position Description.
For further information about the role, please contact Kylie Seeger, Executive Assistant to the Solicitor-General on 0499 514 922 or [email protected].
How to Apply
Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter that details your motivation for applying and includes the skills and attributes you would bring to the role.
Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.
Candidates short-listed for an interview will be asked to complete a written exercise.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.
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.
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.
