Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile mattersJoin a supportive team environmentHybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote workOngoingFlexible work options available - this opportunity can be full-time or part-timeVPS 6.1 142,790 - 166,938 plus superannuation per annum (salary as of 1 May 2026)About the VGSO The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.Our place within government ensures we are at the centre of legal change, reform and problem-solving. We operate as a service-driven legal professional practice and strive for excellence in this competitive environment. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass, which guide how we work together in everything we do: Proud of what we do; Value every voice; Learn, grow, thrive; Always evolving; Act with care.About the branch The Litigation and Dispute Resolution (LDR) branch comprises of a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services to a wide range of government clients and departments, tackling matters that are both high profile and of public interest.The branch is the largest within the VGSO and is led by the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (LDR) who is supported by approximately 95 employees, being solicitors and legal support who work within teams.Our areas of expertise include:State care, personal injury, and negligence claims (including historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in the care of the State)General civil, police civil, and tortious claimsCoronial investigations including inquestsSupervision order proceedings pursuant to the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997Supervision order and detention order proceedings pursuant to the Serious Offenders Act 2018Post-sentence orders pursuant to the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)Judicial review and statutory interpretationContempt of court, defamation, injunctions, and vexatious litigant applicationsA strong focus of the LDR branch is providing specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury, and negligence claims. Our teams primarily handle personal injury claims brought by former wards of the State and other individuals who experienced similar circumstances, including those involving historical institutional abuse.About the role An exciting opportunity has become available for a motivated and experienced Principal Solicitor looking for a challenging and rewarding role involving the provision of expert legal services to government clients, the management of complex litigation, and the ability to mentor a team of talented legal professionals.The LDR branch prioritises professional development across all levels in a safe, supportive learning environment with direct access to senior leadership. Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, your role as a Principal Solicitor will be focussed upon delivering specialist legal advice and representation in state care and personal injury matters. However, you will also have the opportunity to play a pivotal role in managing complex and sensitive litigation across a diverse range of cases.ResponsibilitiesManaging and supervising strategic civil litigationIndependently managing a diverse caseloadSupervising and mentoring junior solicitors and paralegalsPlaying a strategic and operational role within the team and the LDR branchAdditionally, you will have the opportunity to support other streams of work within the branch, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible work arrangements, including part-time hours.Skills and experienceIdeal candidate will have 6+ years post-admission experienceDemonstrated experience in conducting complex and sensitive litigation in state courts and tribunals, particularly personal injury/civil litigation, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practices and proceduresExperience providing comprehensive written and oral legal advice which is fit for purposeExperience acting for government or statutory authorities and/or insurers would be highly regardedProven experience supervising files and/or mentoring staffGood interpersonal communication skills to truly connect with team-members and work together to deliver exceptional results for our clientsProven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environmentPractical and client focused problem solving and research skillsA strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pressureCriminal law/quasi-criminal law experience will be highly regardedWhy Join Us?Impactful Work:Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.Professional Growth:Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.Collaborative Team:Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality legal services.If you are ready to take on a challenging role and contribute meaningful work for the State, we would love to hear from you.Benefits VGSO offers an inclusive, collegiate and collaborative work environment where you will be well-supported and mentored to develop your knowledge. You will also be given excellent career opportunities to progress and develop within the organisation. We are committed to the ongoing learning and development of employees, placing great value on continuous professional development for staff at all levels.VGSO embraces flexibility and recognises the importance of work-life balance. We offer a flexible hybrid work arrangement, allowing employees to spend half of their time working remotely and the other half in the office. This setup encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work-life balance.How to apply If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now!ClickApply Nowto start your application.Applications must include :a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages)resumePlease note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately but applicants should outline their relevant skills/experience and suitability to the role in their cover letter.To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Pieta Baccinetti, Senior Manager Talent Acquisition, on 0408 328 343 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.auApplications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.#J-18808-Ljbffr