Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time or part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Grade in advertisement
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO934
Legal Practice Counsel
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 role would initially form part of the Public Law and Planning (PuLP) branch. The branch operates in the epicentre of public law practice in Victoria, with three legal teams: the Human Rights team; the Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment team; and the Constitution and Advice team. Those teams, and the three Special Counsel in the branch, provide legal advice and representation to State entities across those practice areas as well as other related practice areas such as public sector governance and integrity and administrative decision-making and review.
About the role
Reporting to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, PuLP, this newly created Legal Practice Counsel will lead the development, delivery and embedding of VGSO's Legal Practice resources, including the Legal Practice Manual, to support consistent, contemporary and high‑performing legal practice across the Office.
The role requires you to maintain your public law practice. As such, it combines deep public law expertise with strategic leadership and influence. You will provide authoritative, high‑level legal advice on complex and high‑risk matters in both advisory and litigation contexts, particularly in administrative decision‑making and review, and lead strategic responses that support sound government decision‑making and effective risk management.
Working collaboratively with branches across VGSO, you will also design, deliver and embed practice resources and legal practice developments that uplift legal capability, support efficient service delivery and promote consistent legal practice. You will lead the Legal Practice Manual program end‑to‑end, engaging and motivating contributors across the Office and working closely with the Executive Leadership Team to deliver high‑quality, practical outcomes.
This is a senior, influential role requiring exceptional judgment, authority and communication skills, and the ability to lead multidisciplinary contributors through complex, organisation‑wide initiatives in a dynamic public law environment.
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:
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 [email protected]
Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 03 March 2026.
Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written task as well as an interview. A suitable time for completing the task will be discussed with each candidate.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.