Solicitor

The Department of Health plays a critical role in the Victorian health system and is responsible for shaping it to meet the health needs of all Victorians. We’re focused on supporting Victorians to be as healthy as they can; whether through alerting them to seasonal risks like thunderstorm asthma, notifying them of contact with communicable diseases, safeguarding their drinking water, developing the best health, wellbeing and care facilities in the world, being at the forefront of mental health and wellbeing treatment or accelerating medical research. It’s all part of the way we partner with the community to help every individual lead a healthy life.

• Are you a Solicitor looking to join Victorian Public Service? Join DH!
• Rare & Exciting Opportunity - Full-time Permanent SOL-3 position
• Melbourne CBD/Hybrid + Flexible working options + EAP Program + Leave Loading & more!

About the role:

Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, Public Law and Legislation Team within the Legal Services and Integrity Branch, the Solicitor role will assist the Public Law and Legislation Team in a wide variety of work including provision of advice, involvement in legislation such as drafting of subordinate legislation, preparation of Ministerial correspondence and Governor in Council briefings in the health, ambulance services, mental health and ageing portfolios. 

The legal work includes conduct of mental impairment and unfitness to be tried matters, in addition to advice on relevant laws and on legal policy issues.  This position will have a particular focus on the drafting of subordinate legislation and involvement in the making of primary legislation.

About us:

At the Victorian Department of Health we want a future where Victorians are the healthiest people in the world. A Victoria where our children and people thrive, our workplaces are productive and safe, and our communities are more connected.  

We see it as our job to support Victorians to stay healthy and safe. And to deliver a world-class healthcare system that ensures every single Victorian can access safe, quality care that leads to better health outcomes for all. 

How you'll make a difference:

• Provide well-reasoned legal advice, contracts and other legal documents, briefings and correspondence
• Collaborate with colleagues to deliver client-focused legal services, including engaging with solicitors on the State Government Legal Panel where necessary
• Prepare Governor in Council documents and other instruments and draft subordinate legislation and drafting instructions for the drafting of primary legislation
• Prepare briefs and instruct counsel in the Country and Supreme Courts in relation to matters under the  Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997
• Liaise with external stakeholders includign barristers, court/tribunal staff, other governmetn departments and agencies and professional bodies in relation to a wide range of legal and policy issues
• Share information with other areas of the department to support continuous improvemetn, system learning, and effective monitoring and coordination of departmental priorities and obligations

Our Next Solicitor:

To be successful in this position, you will possess:

• A current praciticing certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Vic) - or be eligible to hold
• Min. 2 years post admission experience
• Understanding of the process for the making of legislation and subordinate legislation
• Sound statutory intepretation skills
• Exceptional communication skills - both written and verbal, along with ability to communicate with influence
• Client-focused mindset
• Ability to self-manage and work in teams

To learn more please click ‘Apply' to view the Position Description on the Careers.vic website. 

What we offer:

• The opportunity to perform meaningful work, making direct contributions toward enabling Victorians to be the healthiest people in the world.
• A wide range of growth and development opportunities within the department and wider Victorian Public Service & Sector.
• A strong commitment to work-life balance, including a diverse array of flexible working arrangements.