Principal Solicitor/Senior Solicitor, Inquiries and State Care

• Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest
• Be part of a high-performing, collaborative team that values knowledge-sharing, continuous improvement and career development
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Principal Solicitor - Fixed-term 12 months | Full-time or Part-time - (VPS 6.1): $142,790 - $166,938 plus superannuation per annum
• Senior Solicitor - Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time - (VPS 5): $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation per annum

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 pillars, 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 Workplace relations, Regulatory, Administrative Law, Safety and Inquiries (WRASI) branch of the VGSO provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in a broad range of practice areas. The branch has expertise in workplace and industrial relations, discrimination, Inquiries and Royal Commissions, administrative law, disciplinary proceedings, prosecutions, regulatory compliance, occupational health and safety, and conducts complex litigation concerning claims against the State, including historical institutional abuse, as well as personal injury and negligence claims.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Solicitor and Senior Solicitor to join our Inquires and State Care Team. This is a unique opportunity to provide expert legal services to government clients across a diverse portfolio of complex and sensitive litigation, with a particular focus on state care and personal injury claims, public Inquiries and Royal Commissions.

Skills and experience

We're looking for a lawyer who thrives on complexity and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for government clients. You'll bring:

• Experience working on complex and sensitive litigation, ideally with experience in personal injury 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.
• Legal research and analytical skills, including a sharp eye for statutory interpretation and emerging legal issues.
• 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 and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives such as precedent reviews and litigation manuals.

The Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1): position is suited to lawyers with 6+ years' practising experience who can lead and provide strategic advice on complex and high-profile matters while supervising and developing junior lawyers. Applicants for the Principal Solicitor role must hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted practising certificate.

Senior Solicitor (VPS 5): this position is suited to lawyers with 4+ years' practising experience seeking to deepen their litigation expertise while managing complex matters with increasing autonomy.

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, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0447 331 077 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au

Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday 16 November 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.