VPS5 Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General for Victoria

• Utilise your legal expertise to work within the Office of the Solicitor-General for Victoria
• VPS Grade 5 $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation

There are two fixed-term, full-time opportunities available for approximately 12 months each. One role commences in the first half of 2026 and the other role commences in the second half of 2026.

About us

The Solicitor-General is the Government's most senior professional legal advocate and advisor. The Solicitor-General provides advice to the Government (primarily to the Ministers in the Justice Portfolio but also to the Premier) on high-level legal matters and appears in court as senior counsel in significant cases where the Government is a party or is intervening.

About the role

The two Counsel Assisting the Solicitor-General are each responsible for assisting the Solicitor-General with legal advice and litigation, conducting research, assisting with the coordination and day-to-day operations of the Solicitor-General's practice, and otherwise supporting the Solicitor-General as directed. Each Counsel Assisting will be required to work as part of a small team and is responsible for managing multiple complex matters simultaneously. Counsel Assisting will travel with the Solicitor-General where required, most often to Canberra for matters in the High Court of Australia.

Key accountabilities include:

• Undertake legal research into complex and diverse areas of law, including constitutional law.
• Provide advice and analysis on legal matters to assist with decisions made by the Solicitor-General.
• Assist in the preparation of legal advice and cases in which the Solicitor-General is briefed as counsel.
• Prepare memoranda requiring in-depth analysis on complex and sensitive issues.
• Proofread all documents that leave the Solicitor-General's Office.
• Work with limited supervision, in a collaborative manner as part of a small team with the other Counsel Assisting and the Executive Assistant and maintain a positive and professional work environment that encourages excellence, enhances morale and respects diversity.
• Communicate and negotiate with various stakeholders including the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office, Government Departments and barristers engaged to act with the Solicitor‑General.
• Provide administrative and operational assistance in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Solicitor-General.
• Maintain confidentiality in respect of all work performed within the Office.

About you

You have a strong interest in public law, especially constitutional law. You are an independent and innovative thinker who enjoys applying the law to solve complex problems. You have strong organisational skills, a positive attitude and work collaboratively with others to achieve outcomes. You are able to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines and manage multiple complex tasks. You thrive in a busy and dynamic work environment.

Desirable attributes and experience include:

• Strong legal research skills, including a demonstrated aptitude in constitutional law.
• Experience in litigation, advising and/or opinion writing.
• Experience working as a Judge's Associate and/or with Government.

You must be admitted to practice as a lawyer in the State of Victoria. A postgraduate qualification is desirable, but not essential.

The key selection criteria for the role are contained in the Position Description.

For further information about the role, please contact Meg Mercer, Executive Assistant to the Solicitor-General on 0499 514 922 or [email protected].

How to apply

Please click the Apply button on this advertisement. Applications should include a resume and covering letter that details your motivation for applying and includes the skills and attributes you would bring to the role.

Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats.

Candidates short-listed for an interview will be asked to complete a written exercise.

The successful candidates will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) and misconduct screening.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process, or require an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on this ad.