- Position:
- Managing Principal Solicitor
- Qualification:
- LLB (Hons), BA
- Area of law:
- Administrative decision making and review, Policing and emergency management, Human rights and equal opportunity, Information management, privacy and data protection, Public sector governance and integrity, Interpretation and development of legislation
Jacob has a broad practice that includes administrative law advice, statutory interpretation, human rights, discrimination and equal opportunity, and litigation and dispute resolution. He often works on matters where human rights issues intersect with a range of other criminal and civil legal issues, particularly in the areas of criminal law policy, police powers, offender management, youth justice, information privacy, freedom of information and public housing. This breadth and experience places Jacob in the unique position of being able to provide legal services on high level public law issues, informed by his litigation experience and broad practical understanding of many interconnected statutory schemes. This includes advising departments on policy formulation and drafting of bills, advising public authorities and agencies on statutory interpretation and human rights, and acting in litigation for public authorities in a variety of proceedings, from original jurisdictions, such as the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal up to appellate courts such as the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Jacob has special expertise in matters of human rights under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006, which includes advising government departments and public authorities on their obligations under the Charter, drafting Statements of Compatibility and Human Rights Certificates for parliamentary bills and regulations, advising and acting for the Attorney-General in Charter interventions, and acting for public authorities in Charter litigation. Additionally, he has a specialised practice advising and acting for the Secretary to the Department of Justice on a range of criminal justice issues including prisoner and serious offender management, police governance and youth justice.
Jacob joined VGSO as a Human Rights intern in 2009. Since then he has been involved in many significant Charter cases and policy development, which have shaped the way the Charter operates as well as developed the scope and interpretation of human rights law in Victoria.
Prior to joining VGSO, he studied International law in Geneva and completed an exchange at the University of British Columbia. Jacob also undertook internships at community legal services and human rights organisations in Melbourne and Ghana.
Phone: 03 8684 0246
Email: jacob.coppel@vgso.vic.gov.au
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