Head of Litigation

About the role

Consumer Action, an independent not-for-profit consumer organisation in Victoria, is hiring a Head of Litigation to build its litigation practice and drive systemic change. The role reports to the Director of Legal Practice and initially focuses on establishing and scaling the Domestic Building Legal Service (DBLS) litigation practice, then applying those learnings across the wider legal practice. It involves leading complex matters, mentoring lawyers and working with policy, campaigns and financial counselling teams.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen the litigation practice, systems and pipeline to increase volume, quality and strategic impact of representation.
• Lead case strategy and litigation quality by overseeing matters, mentoring legal teams, reviewing key documents and giving expert guidance across courts and tribunals, including direct involvement in complex matters.
• Mentor and develop the litigation team's capability, confidence and judgement through practical guidance, professional development and reflective practice.
• Lead and manage at least two litigation staff (solicitors and paralegals), supporting their performance, development and wellbeing.
• Work with intake, policy, campaigns, financial counselling, operations and partners to turn frontline casework into systemic impact and law reform.
• Ensure governance and risk management across litigation, manage external relationships and oversee litigation resources within delegated authority.
• Foster a reflective, trauma-informed, inclusive and impact-focused team culture.

Required profile

• Current unrestricted Principal Victorian Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one).
• At least eight years' post-admission experience and five years running litigation matters, with substantial experience in consumer, insurance, financial services or domestic building law.
• Demonstrated experience of complex litigation across courts and tribunals, including pleadings, evidence, interlocutory applications, briefing counsel, negotiation and settlement.
• Experience mentoring lawyers and managing people, including setting expectations, supervising and supporting wellbeing.
• Desirable: strategic or public-interest litigation, test cases, law reform advocacy, community legal centre or legal aid experience, and media engagement.

Required skills

• High-level case strategy and sound judgement in complex, high-risk or sensitive matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to identify opportunities for systemic impact through litigation, law reform and strategic casework.

What we offer

• Salary of $130,358.40 to $135,809.79 depending on skills and experience, plus 14% superannuation.
• Additional end-of-year leave, salary packaging benefits and a purchased leave scheme.
• Superannuation paid on unpaid parental leave and 16 weeks parental leave.
• Learning, development and professional growth opportunities.