Principal Solicitor

Victorian Government - Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Victorian Government - Department of Families, Fairness and Housing seeks a Principal Solicitor to drive the Legislation team’s advisory work and support policy development in delivering the department’s legislation program.

The role provides high-level legal advice to Ministers and senior officers, coordinating primary and subordinate legislation projects, and identifying legal risks with practical mitigation strategies.

Job description

THE ROLEThe Principal Solicitor will have responsibility for delivering the department's legislation program in the Legal Services Branch, together with the Managing Principal Solicitor and Head of Legal, Public Law and Legislation. This position will be expected to provide high quality legal advice and services on a broad range of matters.The Legislation team is responsible for supporting policy development and providing legislation services to deliver the department's legislation program. Working closely with policy areas within the department and other teams in the Legal Services branch, the Legislation team will deliver legal policy reform through the development legislation and subordinate legislation related to department's portfolio areas.Legal issues will mainly be focussed on the department's portfolios and legislation projects including the development of Bills, regulations, and other statutory instruments.ACCOUNTABILITIES INCLUDEProvide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and prepare high level briefings and correspondence reflecting a strong understanding of cross government legal policy considerations.Manage the development and implementation of primary and subordinate legislation proposals and policy reforms, including identifying legal risks and providing practical recommendations to address such risks.Provide effective, strategic support to General Counsel and Heads of Legal by identifying and appropriately escalating matters of significant legal risk, including supporting the provision of advice to Ministers and ministerial staff, the Secretary, Deputy Secretaries, other senior government officers.Please open the position description to read more.HOW TO APPLYApplicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria.Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process.Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening.For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs)Please apply to submit your interest in this position.