* Job Function: Legal
About this role
* Work at the centre of government advising Victoria Police on complex, high-impact legal matters
* Build and demonstrate expertise in public law and issues impacting policing
* Join a collaborative and supportive team environment
* Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
Multiple opportunities at Senior Solicitor (VPS 5) and Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1):
* Ongoing and Fixed term (12 months)
* Full-time
Salary will be determined within the relevant VPS range based on the successful candidate's skills and practising experience.
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 guides 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 Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of the force and police enforcement activities and functions.
Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including:
* Statutory interpretation
* Criminal law offences and procedure
* Subpoenas (including claims of public interest immunity)
* Privacy and information sharing
* Police functions and powers
* Protection of vulnerable witnesses
* Media and defamation
* Forensic procedures
* Summary prosecutions and intervention order applications
* Emergency management
A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement.
About the roles We are seeking lawyers with relevant experience to join the Police Advisory Branch at either Senior Solicitor or Principal Solicitor level. Candidates should have demonstrated legal experience, including the ability to provide high-quality legal advice and representation, in all or several of the Police Advisory Branch's areas of practice.
Both roles contribute to the core advisory and litigation work undertaken by the branch. They differ primarily in the complexity of matters handled, the level of strategic input expected and the degree of supervision of legal work.
Senior Solicitor (VPS 5) The ideal candidate will have 4+ years practising experience. Within this role you will:
* Prepare written and oral legal advice on complex and often urgent matters
* Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis
* Appear or instruct counsel in courts and tribunals
* Report to supervisors on files as require, working collaboratively
* Contribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharing
* Provide informal mentoring and support to solicitors
This role is well suited to lawyers seeking to continue building deep subject matter expertise in policing related law, who thrive in a fast paced environment.
Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1) The ideal candidate will have 6+ years practising experience in a policing or law enforcement environment. It is a requirement of this role to have the supervised legal practice condition removed from your practising certificate.
In addition to the responsibilities of a Senior Solicitor, within this role you will:
* Provide clear, authoritative legal and strategic advice on complex, sensitive and high-profile matters, exercising sound judgement
* Supervise, review and settle the work of solicitors and senior solicitors
* Appear in complex proceedings and oversee junior lawyers appearing or instructing counsel
* Have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government, including the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector
This role suits experienced lawyers seeking to operate as trusted senior advisors, while also developing supervision and leadership capability within a dynamic policing environment.
Please note a requirement of both roles is holding a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or be willing to obtain one.
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 Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, on 0408 353 909 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 26 March 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.
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