Senior role supervising and mentoring staff Diverse, important and impactful work for the Victorian Community Hybrid Work - Hybrid working from home/office environment Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time VPS 6.1 - $142,790 - $1166,938 plus superannuation per annum (as at 1 May 2026) 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 The Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) branch of the VGSO comprises a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to; Regulation, Administrative Law and Disciplinary Reviews, Inquiries and Royal Commissions, litigation on state care, personal injury and negligence claims. The branch is led by the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (IPA) and is supported by approximately 60 employees; solicitors and legal support who work within teams. The Institutional Liability team provides specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury, and negligence claims, ith our civil litigation team primarily handling personal injury claims brought by former wards of the State and other individuals who experienced similar circumstances, including those involving historical institutional abuse. The Inquiries teams provide specialist legal services and legal advice in relation to Inquiries and Royal Commissions including; the establishment of Royal Commissions (exclusive services), management of notices to produce including document review, witness and hearing preparation, briefing and instructing counsel, State submissions and strategic responses, project management and reporting. The Administrative and Regulatory Law teams provide litigation services and legal advice in the following areas; investigations and criminal procedure, merits review of administrative decisions and related court proceedings, business and occupational licensing, conduct reviews, professional disciplinary proceedings and summary prosecutions, freedom of information, information sharing and privacy and integrity body inquiries. About the role We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Solicitor to join our Institutional Abuse and Public Inquiries Team. This is a unique opportunity to provide expert legal services to government clients, manage complex litigation, and mentor a team of talented legal professionals. Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, your role as a Principal Solicitor will be to deliver specialist legal advice and representation in Institutional abuse and public inquiries matters. You will independently manage a diverse and sensitive caseload, contribute to strategic legal outcomes, and play a strategic and operational leadership role within the team. Our team embraces innovation through new technologies and fresh approaches to legal service delivery while prioritising professional development in a safe, supportive learning environment with direct access to senior leadership. Located in the vibrant Paris end of the city, our office is conveniently surrounded by some of Melbourne's best cafes, restaurants, and cultural spots. Skills and experience We're looking for a driven and accomplished legal professional who thrives on complexity and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for government clients. You'll bring: Ideal candidate will have 6 years practising experience. Substantial experience working on complex and sensitive litigation, ideally with experience specialising in personal injury administrative and/or regulatory law, or public Inquiries and Royal Commissions. Knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks and procedures, ideally relating to personal injuries and negligence claims, inquiries and/or civil litigation. Proven ability to deliver strategic, authoritative legal advice, both written and oral, on complex and sensitive matters in both litigation and advisory contexts. Advanced legal research and analytical skills, including a sharp eye for statutory interpretation and emerging legal issues. Leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to mentor, guide, and support junior legal staff. Hands-on experience with discovery and document management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in complex matters. A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work seamlessly within a high-performing team and build strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on client service, relationship management, and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, lead complex projects, and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives such as precedent reviews and litigation manuals. 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 Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0499 333 652 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 12 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.