Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General for Victoria

at  Department of Justice and Community Safety

• Utilise your legal expertise to work within the Office of the Solicitor-General for Victoria
• VPS Grade 5 $106,534 - $128,897 plus superannuation
  There are two fixed-term, full-time opportunities available for 12 months each. One role commences in February 2025 and the other role commences in July 2025.
  About us
  The Solicitor-General is the Government’s most senior professional legal advocate and advisor. The Solicitor-General provides advice to the Government (primarily to the Ministers in the Justice Portfolio but also to the Premier and Treasurer) on high-level legal matters and appears in court in all jurisdictions as senior counsel in cases where the Government is a party.
  About the role
  The two Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General for Victoria are each responsible for assisting the Solicitor-General with legal opinions and litigation, conducting research, assisting with the coordination and day-to-day operations of the Solicitor-General’s practice, and otherwise supporting the Solicitor-General as directed. Each Counsel Assisting will be required to work as part of a small team and is responsible for managing multiple complex matters simultaneously. Counsel Assisting will travel with the Solicitor-General where required, most often to Canberra for matters in the High Court of Australia.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDE:

• Assist the Solicitor-General to prepare for hearings and provide legal opinions.
• Prepare memoranda requiring in-depth analysis of complex and sensitive issues.
• Undertake legal research into complex and diverse areas of law, including constitutional law.
• Proofread all documents that leave the Solicitor-General’s office.
• Work with limited supervision and in a collaborative manner as part of a small team.
• Communicate and negotiate with various stakeholders including the Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office, Government Departments and barristers briefed with the Solicitor-General.
• Provide administrative assistance in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Solicitor-General.
• Maintain a positive and professional approach to the work environment within the Office of the Solicitor-General.
  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 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.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE AS FOLLOWS:

• Strong legal research skills and proven ability to conduct research into complex legal and policy issues, including a demonstrated aptitude in constitutional law.
• Experience in litigation, advising and/or opinion writing.
• Experience working as a Judge’s Associate and/or with Government.
• A high-level understanding of model litigant policy as it applies to Government.
  You must be admitted to practice in the State of Victoria or be eligible to do so by February 2025. You must therefore hold a tertiary qualification sufficient for the purposes of admission. A postgraduate qualification is desirable, but not essential.
  The key selection criteria for the role are contained in the Position Description.
  For further information about the role, please contact Margie Brown, Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General on 0438 846 509 or sg.counselassisting2@vicbar.com.au.
  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.
  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 any of the application material, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad

Please refer the Job description for details