About This Role
* Lead, mentor and manage a team of lawyers of different levels of experience
* Diverse and high profile work on matters of public interest
* Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
* 12 Month Fixed-term | Full-time or Part-time
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 pillars, 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 (L&DR) Branch is a team of approximately 60 legal practitioners and an additional team of 35 (approx.) legal support staff (including paralegals) that provide specialist legal services to a large number of government clients and departments. The Branch enjoys an extraordinary diversity of exciting and challenging litigation and advisory work, working on matters that are topical and often involve public interest issues. Matters cover areas such as personal injury claims (including those involving institutional abuse), police civil claims, coronial inquests, vexatious litigant applications, tortious claims, defamation, post‑sentence supervision and detention orders, judicial review (including those involving prisoners) and matters involving the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (Vic).
About The Role
An exciting 12‑month fixed‑term opportunity has arisen for a senior and experienced Managing Principal Solicitor within our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch. Reporting to the Lead Counsel, the successful candidate will lead and supervise a team of dedicated lawyers and paralegals, while providing high‑level legal advice across government. The role involves the effective management of complex and sensitive litigation, with a particular focus on delivering legal services to one of our key clients, Corrections Victoria. You will also provide operational advice in relation to the Serious Offenders Act 2018 (Vic).
This role also supports other streams of work within the branch, including matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997 (Vic), judicial review, contempt of court, vexatious litigant proceedings, coronial inquests, public liability, subpoenas, and general civil and tortious claims, including personal injury and institutional abuse matters.
About You
As the ideal candidate, you will be dynamic and responsive, with demonstrated people leadership capability and a strong commitment to mentoring and developing a team of lawyers. Collaboration is critical to success in this role, and you will be expected to share knowledge across the branch and contribute to initiatives that foster a positive and cohesive working environment.
You will bring strong judgement in complex legal matters, supported by significant professional experience. You will also demonstrate the ability to maintain and strengthen existing client relationships, while identifying opportunities for new business. A sound understanding of the structure and culture of government, along with the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector, will be highly regarded.
Previous experience handling broad personal injury and negligence matters is essential. Prior experience working with the Serious Offenders Act 2018 (Vic) will be highly regarded.
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 set‑up encourages collaboration and strengthens team connections, while supporting your ability to achieve a healthy work‑life balance.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre‑employment checks including reference checks, pre‑employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.
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