Solicitor - Land Acquisition, Planning And Environment - Victorian Government Solicitor's Office

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) values diversity and seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the best people for the role. We welcome applications from people of all ages, disability, ethnicity, family and caring responsibilities, gender, religion, sexual orientation and cultures including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au

• A mix of litigation and advice work in all of the team's core areas of law
• Join a supportive team environment
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full-Time
• VPS 3/4 $76,817 - $107,905 per annum plus superannuation (depending on experience)

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serve the rule of law exclusively for the State.

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 Public Law and Planning Branch understands Victorian public law in a way that is unrivalled by its competitors. The branch consists of three legal teams, including the Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment team whose practice spans advice and litigation. The team's advisory work includes advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation and other instruments, principally in the team's subject areas. Its litigation focusses primarily on judicial and merits review of decision making in its subject areas, and contested land compensation and valuation matters.

The team's subject areas include:

• Planning and built heritage;
• Environment and climate change;
• Land acquisition and compensation;
• Major projects, project powers and project delivery;
• Aboriginal cultural heritage;
• Forestry, water and other resources; and
• Emergency management.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for Solicitor to join our team on an ongoing basis.

You will provide high quality legal services and advice to government clients, specifically in the areas of land acquisition, planning and environment law.

The team's practice is diverse. You will have the opportunity to provide advice on the exercise of statutory powers and act in important judicial review proceedings. You will also have the opportunity to work on high profile public infrastructure projects. The role offers a mix of litigation and advice work in all of the team's core areas of law.

Skills and experience

• Knowledge and understanding of compulsory acquisition law, planning law and environmental law is essential
• Experience providing advice on compulsory acquisition and compensation matters, and experience conducting disputed compulsory acquisition proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal or the Supreme Court, is highly regarded
• Knowledge and understanding of administrative law and/or Crown land law is highly regarded
• Proven ability to provide authoritative written and oral advice which is fit for purpose
• Experience conducting judicial review proceedings or merits review proceedings would be advantageous
• Good interpersonal, communication and negotiations skills
• Demonstrated ability to work on a number of files simultaneously
• Enthusiasm for working in a government law office
• Experience in acting for government, local government or statutory authorities would be advantageous

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 Karlie Ridgwell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0447 331 077 or via vgso.recruitment@vgso.vic.gov.au.

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.