About This Role
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 $138,631 - $162,076 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)
About The VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.
The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. 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. In all aspects of our operations, we aim to role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence.
About The Branch
Our branch provides specialist legal services to a wide range of government clients and departments, tackling matters that are both high profile and of public interest.
Our Areas Of Expertise Include
General civil, police civil, and tortious claimsState care, personal injury, and negligence claimsContempt of court, defamation, injunctions, and vexatious litigant applicationsInquests, supervision order matters, judicial review, and statutory interpretationCommercial litigation
About The Role
An exciting opportunity has become available for a motivated and experienced senior lawyer looking for a challenging and rewarding role. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible work arrangements, including part-time hours.
As a Principal Solicitor in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch, you will play a pivotal role in managing complex and sensitive litigation across a diverse range of cases.
Your Responsibilities Will Include
Handling personal injury litigation (negligence and breach of statutory duty)Addressing historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in state careManaging contempt of court and vexatious litigant claimsWorking on matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997Conducting judicial reviews, asset confiscation, coronial inquests, public liability cases, and subpoenas
Additionally, you will have the chance to support other streams of work within the branch, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.
Skills And Experience
Ideal candidate will have 6+ years post-admission experienceDemonstrated experience in conducting complex and sensitive proceedings 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 regarded
Why 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.
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!
Click 'Apply Now' to start your application. Applications must include:
a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages)resume
Please 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 Karlie Ridgwell, Talent Acquisition Advisor at 0447 331 077 or careers@vgso.vic.gov.au.
Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
📌 Principal Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution
🏢 Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria
📍 Melbourne