Solicitor (Flex)

State of Victoria; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 101,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Victoria is seeking an experienced Solicitor to join the Public Law and Inquiries team in the Melbourne office with hybrid work options. You will provide strategic legal advice on statutory interpretation and administrative law matters, including coronial inquiries and Hague Convention issues.

You will instruct in litigation, prepare briefs, manage records, and collaborate with departments to support policy objectives and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Current practicing certificate as a solicitor.
• Minimum of two years post-admission experience.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise written communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide well-reasoned legal advice, briefs and correspondence that are clear and outcomes-focused.
• Instruct in litigation across courts and tribunals.
• Prepare briefs and instruct counsel and contracted solicitors on the State Government Legal Panel.
• Liaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court staff, other departments and professional bodies.
• Contribute to strategic and operational planning to improve legal services and outcomes.
• Participate in training across the department as required.

Skills

Legal research

Litigation

Administrative law

Statutory interpretation

Policy advice

Stakeholder management

Job description

Solicitor ( Flex )Salary range : $100,894 - $114,476 (full-time equivalent per annum) plus superannuationFull-time / FlexibleFixed term to 30 June 2027About the RoleThe Department of Families, Fairness and Housing is seeking an experienced Solicitor to join our Public Law and Inquiries team within the Legal Services Branch. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports Victoria's social recovery and community wellbeing while developing your legal expertise in a dynamic government environment.In this role, you will provide timely, strategic, and practical legal advice to key stakeholders across the department. Your work will encompass a broad range of legal issues including statutory interpretation, administrative law matters, and the management of sensitive litigation including coronial inquiries and Hague Convention matters. This position offers the chance to make a real difference by supporting policies and services that create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live safe, respected, and valued lives.Working from our Melbourne office with flexible hybrid arrangements, you will collaborate with colleagues across the Legal Services Branch and the broader department, exercising sound judgment and initiative while building effective working relationships that drive positive outcomes for the community.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide well-reasoned legal advice, briefings, and correspondence that is clear, accurate, and outcomes-focusedCollaborate with departmental colleagues to deliver client-focused legal services that support government policy objectivesInstruct in litigation involving the department across a wide range of courts and tribunalsPrepare briefs and instruct counsel and contracted solicitors on the State Government Legal PanelLiaise with external stakeholders including barristers, court and tribunal staff, other government departments, and professional bodiesContribute to strategic and operational planning to improve legal services and client outcomesParticipate in the delivery of training across the department as requiredMaintain accurate and complete records in accordance with legislative requirements and departmental policiesRequired QualificationsCurrent practicing certificate as a solicitor with a minimum of two years post-admission experienceDemonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, and grammatically correct written communications including briefs, letters, and reportsStrong organizational awareness with understanding of formal and informal influencing relationships and decision-making processesProven ability to plan and prioritize work to ensure outcomes are achieved while managing competing demandsExperience listening to and actively seeking to meet customer needs with commitment to delivering high-quality outcomesDemonstrated integrity and commitment to operating in a manner consistent with organizational codes of conductPreferred QualificationsBackground in Government Law and provision of legal and policy advice to governmentStrong statutory interpretation skills and litigation experienceExperience with administrative law mattersAbility to adapt communication style and content to suit different audiencesExperience negotiating and implementing well-planned courses of action to achieve specific outcomesWhat We're Looking ForWe seek a collaborative legal professional who thrives in a team environment and is committed to public service excellence. The ideal candidate will demonstrate enthusiasm and sustained effort, set high standards for themselves, and work effectively with diverse working styles. You will be someone who encourages resolution of conflict, shows consideration for others' ideas, and is driven by the opportunity to contribute to creating a fairer and safer Victoria.This role offers flexible and hybrid work arrangements, supporting your work-life balance while enabling you to contribute to bold and innovative reform for the community. You will join a department dedicated to empowering communities and leading policies focused on community wellbeing and social recovery.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity and difference, and we actively encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people living with disability, LGBTIQA+ individuals, veterans, and people from varied cultural backgrounds.