About us The Department of Education (the department) is responsible for delivering and regulating state-wide learning and development services to approximately one-third of all Victorians across the early childhood and school education sectors.
The department is also one of Victoria's biggest employers, with approximately 80,000 teaching staff and around 5,000 public service employees.
The Legal Division provides highly valued legal services to support the delivery of the department's strategic objectives, key reforms and to manage legal risk.
In doing so, Legal Division provides direct, practical and strategic legal advice to portfolio ministers, the secretary, other senior staff and over 1,600 government schools, supporting approximately over 650,000 Victorian Government school students.
About the role – Full-time, fixed term till 30 June 2025 A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to work as a Principal Lawyer for the Workplace Discrimination and Disputes (WDD) Unit in the Workplace and Education Law Branch of the Department of Education's Legal Division.
The WDD unit advises on and manages discrimination, human rights, employment, occupational health and safety and immigration law matters and other government litigation (eg FOI and privacy).
The Principal Lawyer will be responsible for specialist technical and strategic legal advice in the areas of law relevant to the WDD Unit and for settling and supervising the work of other lawyers in accordance with the department's values and objectives.
The Principal Lawyer role encompasses a wide range of matters including managing significant, sensitive and high profile litigation in Commissions, Courts and Tribunals and briefing external firms and sometimes directly briefing barristers.
The role may undertake some advocacy and representation in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission, the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Fair Work Commission, the Federal Court, Disciplinary Appeals Board and Merit Protection Boards as well as the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Why join us? Be part of a passionate, high-performing team – Legal Division is proud to be a 2023 finalist of the Australian Law Awards 'In-house team of the year'.
Meaningful work that is varied, satisfying and rewarding – As part of a career in the public sector you can help shape Victoria's future, serve the community and follow your ambition.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements — Part time, flexible start and finish times, work from home to help manage your work and personal commitments.
Competitive salary – Bi-annual salary increases in line with the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement.
Diversity and inclusion - As one of Victoria's largest employers, the department is committed to creating an organisation that is inclusive and ensuring it has a workforce that represents the community it serves.
Values – The department has adopted the public sector values which are set out in the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, which are Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights.
Employee assistance program — For emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing and support.
How to Apply For more information, please review the attached position description.
Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter (no more than 2 pages).
For a confidential discussion regarding the role please contact Lucy Guthrie, 03 7022 0925, or Emily Lett, 03 7022 1177 – Directors, Workplace and Education Law Branch.
Visit http://www.careers.vic.gov.au/vacancies/tips-for-applying for guidelines and tips for applying for government positions.
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