Senior Solicitor

The Role The Senior Solicitor role in the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (Statewide CPLO) is responsible for providing state‑wide legal advice, support and representation in child protection litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court, and related jurisdictions. The Senior Solicitor appears in person on behalf of the Secretary in the Children's Court of Victoria.

The statewide mobile legal team provides time‑limited support to Statewide CPLO legal teams across metropolitan and regional child protection service delivery areas, working across multiple regional and metropolitan Children's Court venues.

It is expected that this role will manage complex cases, provide high‑level advice and representation to child protection practitioners, and have a focus on court appearance and advocacy work. The role is also key in supporting less experienced staff and delivering training. The role may also be required to undertake the Duty Allocation Lawyer Service, where relevant, at various Children's Court locations.

Accountabilities Include

Appear in complex and sensitive litigation involving the department in the Children's Court of Victoria, VCAT and other associated jurisdictions.

Provide authoritative advice on complex legal and policy issues and provide high‑level briefings and correspondence, advise on new and emerging issues in the law and their longer‑term implications for the department.

Mentor and provide training and support to internal staff across all levels, with a focus on junior staff, and external stakeholders as required.

How To Apply Please open the position description to read more. 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 (www.dffh.vic.gov.au/jobs). Please apply to submit your interest in this position.

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