Senior Lawyer

Organisation: Department of Transport and Planning

Reference: 4517

About the Role

This is a Fixed Term Position for 12 months

Are you a seasoned lawyer with expertise in public law, particularly in areas such as litigation, administrative law, town planning, environmental assessment (including renewable energy projects), heritage, land acquisition, and compensation? If so, we have a compelling opportunity for you

As a Senior Lawyer, you will be at the forefront of providing advice on a diverse range of complex legal matters. Under supportive supervision, you will manage or oversee significant litigation and guide the Department’s responses to inquiries and investigations. Your role will involve working collaboratively with a team of dedicated professionals to deliver exceptional client service and provide timely, clear, and pragmatic legal support.

This role is ideal for a lawyer with post-admission experience in one or more of the following practice areas: administrative law and statutory interpretation, litigation and dispute resolution, planning and environment law, heritage, and legislative development. A strong emphasis on teamwork and a client-focused approach is essential for success in this position.

About Us

The Department of Transport and Planning oversees key planning, transport and land use policy decisions and management across the State. A life-cycle approach to planning, building, connecting and sustaining communities means our people can come together to; improve services, deliver sustainable projects, focus on customer engagement, streamline regulatory approval pathways, facilitate community consultation and better realise local economic opportunities for more liveable communities across Victoria.

DTP Legal is a Division within the Department, and is responsible for the provision of legal, legislative, commercial and information access advice and support to the Ministers, Secretary and Department in the achievement of the transport, land use and planning system vision, objectives and decision-making principles. The Public Law and Information Access Branch is the first point of contact in DTP Legal for requests for access to information, privacy advice, the conduct of litigation and provision of legal advice on a range of public law matters.

The Public Law and Information Access Branch provides advice and support to divisions of the Department and portfolio agencies, with a particular focus on litigation, inquiries, interpretation of legislation, administrative decision-making, privacy and information access. The Branch comprises a large team of lawyers and other professionals with expertise in public law matters, planning and land use legal issues, legal matters relating to First Peoples, privacy and information access. Within the Branch, there are three Public Law Teams with specific expertise in legal issues relating to litigation, legislative interpretation, and administrative law, and the Privacy and Information Access Team which provides advice and makes decisions particularly in relation to privacy and freedom of information (FOI).

If this opportunity doesn't quite align with your career aspirations there are a variety of other roles that might be a perfect fit for you. We encourage you to reach out and explore the many possibilities we offer.

Join us and make a meaningful impact with your legal expertise

• Under supervision, you provide high quality legal advice to the Department to support transport and planning portfolio objectives and respond to emerging and/or complex issues.
• Your advice is authoritative in the core areas of public and administrative law, in particular legislation relevant to the planning portfolio (e.g. Planning and Environment Act 1987, Heritage Act 2017) and renewable energy projects.
• Under supervision, you conduct or oversee the conduct of litigation and similar processes, effectively resolving disputes in different forums.
• You act as a leader by modelling a diverse, safe, inclusive culture aligned with the Department’s values.
• You establish cooperative and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the delivery of high quality legal advice and support.

Key Selection Criteria

To be successful in the role the ideal candidate will provide comprehensive legal advice by identifying the client, purpose, scope, and form of advice needed, considering urgency or sensitivity. They independently coordinate legal issues, apply relevant laws to facts, and advise on options, policies, probity, and operational considerations. They also review and approve external legal service providers, supervising briefs as necessary. In litigation and dispute resolution, the Senior Lawyer oversees efficient conduct of litigation according to court or tribunal rules, briefs and manages external legal services, and ensures high standards of legal work. Additionally, they enhance stakeholder management by adding value, connecting relevant parties, monitoring satisfaction, and addressing issues constructively.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

• Be an Australian lawyer, within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate.
• Demonstrated capability in providing legal advice and litigation management on complex matters under minimal supervision in one or more of the following key practice areas: administrative law and statutory interpretation, litigation and dispute resolution, planning and environment law, heritage, and legislation development.

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Services
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work across multiple urban and suburban hubs
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

 Applications close at 11:59 PM on Sunday 23rd June 2024

Please include a resume and cover letter. All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We’re unable to consider email or manual applications.

Preferred applicants will need to complete a police check and other pre-employment checks. Your information will be treated confidentially.

If you require additional adjustments across the recruitment process or accessible formats of this ad, please contact us by phone or email.

brent.hollingworth@deeca.vic.gov.au - Director of Public Law Brent Hollingworth - NA