Managing Principal Solicitor

Victorian Ombudsman; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The Victorian Ombudsman is seeking a Managing Principal Solicitor to lead expert legal advice and ensure compliance with The Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic). Reporting to the General Counsel and Director, Legal, you will drive outcomes-focused guidance across the VO and draft court documents and correspondence.

You will apply administrative law principles, interpret statutes, and foster constructive relationships with Investigators, Complaints Officers and colleagues in the Legal Team.

Job description

The Victorian Ombudsman (VO) provides a free, independent, accessible and impartial service to the public. Our purpose is to ensure fairness for the public in their dealings with the Victorian public sector, to improve public administration, and engage within both public organisations, the government sector and the broader community. The Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic) is the governing legislation.

The VO's role is to ensure that the services of state and local government, and other public organisations are delivered in a fair and reasonable manner that is compatible with the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic) and that human rights have been taken into consideration in decision making.

About this role

The Managing Principal Solicitor reports to the General Counsel and Director, Legal and performs a key role in ensuring the Victorian Ombudsman office complies with its obligations under The Ombudsman Act 1973 (Vic) and is responsible for leading the delivery of outcomes focused expert legal advice.

The Managing Principal Solicitor will draw upon their knowledge of administrative law principles to provide critical expert legal support to all areas of the VO by preparing succinct and practical legal advice, drafting correspondence and court documents.

The Managing Principal Solicitor role requires demonstrated skills in statutory interpretation, and an understanding of administrative law and decision making in the Victorian Ombudsman Office, and cultural and political awareness within their day-to-day work.

It is an essential component of the role that the Managing Principal Solicitor is able to consult with Investigators, Complaints Officers and their colleagues in the Legal Team, and build trust and establish & maintain constructive relationships at all levels within the organisation.

Core to your success in this role is the ability to obtain a strong understanding of the Ombudsman Act 1973.

Please review the position descriptionfor full details.

VO is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive, accessible and safe work environment. We want to ensure all applicants and employees with disability are treated respectfully and equitably in all stages of the recruitment process.

We encourage job applications from people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, LGBTIQ and cultures, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

VO is committed to supporting our employees work and life balance commitments. All requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements.