Managing Principal Solicitor

Location: Loddon Mallee - Greater Bendigo Reference: VG/DFFH/ The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. Our areas of focus are child protection, housing, disability, the prevention of family violence, multicultural affairs, LGBTIQA+ equality, veterans, women and youth. The work we do benefits thousands of Victorians, particularly those who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. We work in a variety of community-based settings, including people's homes, residential facilities and secure settings across metropolitan, rural and regional Victoria. We are committed to developing and supporting a workforce that is well equipped and highly motivated. All jobs can be worked flexibly, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from diverse backgrounds and abilities. If you’re having any trouble viewing this ad and would like it or any attachments in an accessible format (such as large print), please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the contact person listed on the ad. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs ( THE ROLE The Managing Principal Solicitor leads and manages a team of solicitors within the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) who are responsible for providing legal advice, support and representation in child protection litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and related jurisdictions. The Managing Principal Solicitor plays a lead role in the management of staff and provides practical and strategic legal advice, conducts litigation, and instructs and appears, in person, on behalf of the Secretary to the department in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court and related jurisdictions. It is expected that the Managing Principal Solicitor works closely with Senior Legal Counsel and the Executive team in strategic and operational planning, including long term planning to improve legal services and client outcomes. The role will also manage highly complex cases and provide authoritative advice to child protection practitioners. ACCOUNTABILITIES Lead the delivery of high quality, client focused and cost-effective legal services in relation to highly complex and sensitive matters. Provide effective leadership and management to a team of employees Appear in litigation involving highly complex matters for the department in a wide range of courts and tribunals including the Family Division of the Children's Court and in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and VCAT. Please open the position description to read more. HOW TO APPLY Applicants are encouraged to apply online. Attachments can be uploaded in .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt or .rtf formats. Applicants are required to submit a CV and Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining their suitability to the role in line with the Key Selection Criteria. Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Work eligibility will be checked as part of the recruitment process. Preferred candidates will be required to complete pre-employment screening, including a national police check and misconduct screening. For more information on working with us and our recruitment process, please visit Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Victoria | Jobs ( Please apply to submit your interest in this position. Applications close Sunday 25 January 2026 at 11.59pm #J-18808-Ljbffr