We are looking to hire a brilliant Principal Solicitor to join our amazing team at Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Melbourne CBD, VIC.
Growing your career as a Full Time Principal Solicitor is an amazing opportunity to develop useful skills.
If you are strong in adaptability, leadership and have the right initiative for the job, then apply for the position of Principal Solicitor at Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action today!

- Step in to a dynamic, delivery-focused environment where your leadership and expertise will directly contribute to the successful design and implementation of a variety of projects across Victoria.
- Join a positive, supportive workplace culture in a highly skilled team environment
- Combine your commercial/contracts and property law skills and experience, with the challenge of supporting good government operations, decision-making and dispute management

The Principal Solicitor is a senior member of the Legal and Legislation Division in the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action and provides leadership in the delivery of high quality, accurate and strategic legal advice and litigation support, with a core focus on commercial/contracts, Crown land, administrative law (including the operation of government and an awareness of constitutional issues), and statutory interpretation.

The Principal Solicitor leads projects, supervises the work of other lawyers, participates in multi-disciplinary project teams and works with the Division's management team to ensure the delivery of accurate, fit for purpose advice and strong organisational risk management. The role is part of a highly skilled legal team, working closely with the department's six functional groups plus Solar Victoria, Agriculture Victoria and Recycling Victoria to support the delivery of priority policy initiatives, programs and operations to the Victorian community to optimise success and minimise and mitigate risks for government.





The role is for an experienced lawyer and people leader who is looking to join an engaging, dynamic legal practice. The lawyer should have particular experience in the areas of commercial/contracts, Crown land, administrative law (including operation of government) and statutory interpretation, at a senior level in a leadership capacity. The role may also extend to planning and environment, energy regulation, natural resources management and emergency management. Experience at a senior level in a leadership capacity in at least two of the core areas is required, ideally in a government context.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

- An Australian lawyer within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate.
- Demonstrated ability as a senior legal practitioner providing authoritative advice in the core areas of administrative law (including operation of government and an awareness of Constitutional issues) and statutory interpretation, commercial matters including renewable energy projects of varying sizes, and dispute resolution; the required experience at a senior level is mandatory in two of these areas and highly regarded in all three.
- Strong experience in either broader general in-house or government legal practice and/or some of the department's areas of specialisation (planning and environment, property (Crown land use and development), energy, building, natural resources management, emergency management, agriculture and resources) is desirable but not essential.





This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 16 April 2023.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. Recruitment is subject to the prospective employee confirming their vaccination status as up to date (3 doses) or providing evidence that they are medically exempt.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/Current Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

Benefits of working as a Principal Solicitor in Melbourne CBD, VIC:

● Company offers excellent benefits
● Advancement opportunities
● Competitive salary

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