Lead Counsel, Administrative and Regulatory Law
Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria is seeking a senior legal professional to serve as Lead Counsel in the Administrative and Regulatory Law branch.
- Senior legal role with strong client focus and strategic management capability.
- Diverse and high profile work on matters of public interest.
- Specialised legal expertise in administrative and regulatory law is essential.
- Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work.
- Ongoing Full-time.
- Salary: VPS 7 $188,297 - $256,088 plus superannuation per annum.
About The VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector, operating as a service driven legal professional practice.
About The Branch
The IPA branch comprises approximately 40 lawyers, paralegals, project managers and support staff, providing specialist legal services and advice to the State in areas such as:
- Administrative action and decision making.
- Licensing and occupational regulation.
- Judicial review and VCAT proceedings.
- Investigations, integrity and disciplinary matters.
- Privileges, confidentiality and document production.
- Prosecutions and enforcement.
- Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries.
- Personal injury claims for former care leavers.
About The Role
We are looking for a senior, experienced and high performing public lawyer to lead our administrative law and prosecutions portfolios. The position reports directly to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor and is supported by two Managing Principal Solicitors and a team of lawyers, paralegals and project managers.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing specialised legal expertise and authoritative advice across government.
- Strategic leadership of the branch, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration.
- People leadership and operational oversight, including client relationship management, change management and process improvement.
- Financial management of the branch, maintaining practice areas, billable targets and identifying recent opportunities.
- Developing and leading new practice areas within the IPA Branch.
About The Successful Applicants
You are a senior legal practitioner recognised for expertise in administrative law and regulatory enforcement, with proven experience in merits review, judicial review and regulatory enforcement proceedings. You possess strong statutory interpretation and advice writing skills, a deep understanding of government structure and a strategic, discreet approach to complex legal environments.
Core qualifications:
- Extensive experience running merits review, judicial review and regulatory enforcement proceedings.
- Strong understanding of the structure and culture of government.
- Proven track record in building high performing teams and managing change.
- Business development and client relationship management experience.
- Billable legal environment performance.
Preferred candidates will have prior administrative law and regulatory enforcement experience.
Benefits
VGSO offers an inclusive, collaborative work environment with mentorship and career development opportunities. Flexible hybrid work arrangements promote work life balance.
How To Apply
Apply now by clicking Apply Now. Applications must include a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) and a resume.
For more information, contact Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, at or email Applications close at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, 25 November 2025.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre employment checks including reference checks, misconduct screening and criminal record checks.