Senior Lawyer

This position is one of 10 senior lawyers reporting to the Manager, Legal Services. Legal Services & Investigations is the provider of legal/prosecutorial expertise within WorkSafe which also provides legal advice to WorkSafe regarding operational administration of health and safety.

Primary responsibilities and accountabilities of this role are:

The incumbent of this position will be responsible for providing advice to WorkSafe via the Manager, Legal Services, and to conduct prosecutions and undertake advocacy and instruct in all jurisdictions where legislation administered by VWA is prosecuted and litigated.

The provision of comprehensive specialist legal advice to WorkSafe management and investigators and the requirement to participate in the training of investigators will form a central aspect of this position.

Functions of the role include the following:

• Undertake the review of allocated investigation files for suitability for prosecution, particularly by assessment of sufficiency and suitability of evidence.
• Provide strategic and timely expert oral and written advice to WorkSafe via Branch Manager, LSID on prosecution recommendations and complex legal and policy issues.
• Be responsible for the preparation and conduct of prosecution and other cases including appearance and representation in courts and tribunals as Counsel on behalf of the Authority as required.
• Provide limited supervision of paralegals and assistance to solicitors in prosecutions as appropriate.
• Assist in the formulation, development and implementation of guidelines, policies and strategies for effective delivery of services.
• Conduct complex prosecutions and represent the Authority as Counsel or Instructor before a range of courts (including County and Supreme Courts).
• Liaise with external agencies including the Office of Public Prosecutions, Police and the Authority’s legal providers concerning the conduct of on-going prosecutions.
• Conduct and present training for investigators and other employees in relation to investigations, the applicable law and court procedure.
• Direct legal assistants as required and assist in the coordination of employees/administrative services.
• Identify and propose legislative, procedural or investigative reform where applicable.

• Professional qualifications in law, including admission or eligibility to gain admission to practice as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
• Demonstrated knowledge of criminal law and evidence and procedures and occupational health and safety legislation.
• Experience in the conduct and presentation of matters arising under occupational health and safety legislation.
• Experience in the provision of oral and written legal advice.
• Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance issues, including performance targets and measurable indicators.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training relating to prosecutions and investigation processes.
• Demonstrated ability to follow a strategic approach to prosecution and advice work that is consistent with the Authority’s objectives, including resource allocation.
• High level analytical, conceptual skills and the ability to provide creative and practical solutions to problems.
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills.
• The incumbent must be able to work as an effective member of a highly motivated, multi-disciplinary investigative team who will be expected to be able to meet consistent timelines and to effectively manage varying and complex work loads.
• Ability to work without direct supervision.