Ongoing | Full time Hybrid working from home/office environment 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 team The role sits within VGSO's Commercial, Property and Technology Branch which assists government clients to conduct significant transactions and projects, manage their corporate affairs and acquire, manage or dispose of land, goods or services. The branch offers specialist services in IP/IT, property and Native Title. It offers deep commercial expertise with a government perspective.
About the role We have an exciting opportunity for a senior practitioner to provide highly specialised legal expertise and technical legal advice across government, with a focus on Traditional Owner rights and government decision making in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and human rights.
This is a great leadership role where you will have an opportunity to contribute to how the State responds to competing and complex claims, negotiates agreements and manages critical relationships, as it engages with Yoorrook, Treaty, native title claims and beyond, at a time of historic change in the relationship between First Peoples and the State.
The VGSO is the exclusive provider of native title services to government clients. We provide assistance ranging from representing the State in critically important native title litigation, to advice on the impacts of native title and related rights on major transactions, projects and land use.
The Native Title Team also works closely with other experts in relation to human rights, public land management and cultural heritage protection. This role would ideally suit a highly experienced practitioner, confident in taking carriage of significant and high profile matters, advising senior decision makers and appearing and instructing in court.
Skills in other areas serviced by the branch - including water, energy, property, construction or commercial law - are also highly regarded, but not essential.
Responsibilities Advise on compliance with the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and/or the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) for infrastructure projects and mining; Advise senior clients from across the public sector on Traditional Owner rights and government decision making in the areas of native title, cultural heritage and human rights; Coordinate matters, counsel and experts and manage junior lawyers across the Native Title team, supporting subject matter experts in policy responses, legislative projects and litigation; Act in native title claims, litigation regarding Traditional Owner rights and government decision making and related mediations and case management hearings. Skills and experience Strong management and leadership skills, including supervision of junior and mid-level lawyers on small and large projects and files; Ability to coordinate a busy practice in a fee for service environment; Highly developed knowledge and understanding of basic principles and practice of native title a distinct advantage; Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation; Demonstrated ability to carry out complex legal research and analysis; Ability to efficiently provide expert and authoritative written and oral advice; Excellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skills. 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 the Talent Acquisition team via email at: ****** .
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 1 December 2024. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
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