Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $162,077 - $185,518
Grade: VPS 6.2
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO926
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State.
The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. 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 Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) branch of the VGSO comprises a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to: Regulation, Administrative Law and Disciplinary Reviews, Inquiries, Royal Commissions and litigation on state care, personal injury
The Administrative and Regulatory Law teams provide litigation services and legal advice in the following areas; investigations and criminal procedure, merits review of administrative decisions and related court proceedings, business and occupational licensing, conduct reviews, professional disciplinary proceedings and summary prosecutions, freedom of information, information sharing and privacy and integrity body inquiries.
The Inquiries teams provide specialist legal services and legal advice in relation to Inquiries and Royal Commissions including the establishment of Royal Commissions (exclusive services), management of notices to produce including document review, witness and hearing preparation, briefing and instructing counsel, State submissions and strategic responses, project management and reporting.
The branch also offers specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury, and negligence claims. The civil litigation team primarily handles claims brought by former wards of the State and others who have experienced similar circumstances, including cases involving historical institutional abuse.
About the role
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic legal leader to join the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office as a Managing Principal Solicitor within our Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law (IPA) Branch. This senior leadership role oversees complex civil litigation and public inquiry matters, with a particular focus on cases involving historical institutional abuse and state care claims.
Reporting directly to the Lead Counsel, you will lead a team of 10–15 legal professionals, including solicitors, paralegals, graduates, and administrative support staff. You will play a pivotal role in shaping legal outcomes that carry significant public interest while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation across the branch.
In this role, you will provide professional leadership and operational oversight to a high-performing legal team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional litigation services and advice. You will manage a substantial portfolio of civil litigation and public inquiry matters, including complex claims involving former wards of the State and care leavers. Your responsibilities include providing expert and authoritative legal advice on highly sensitive matters, preparing Counsel briefs, and developing strategic litigation plans. Beyond technical expertise, you will drive branch-wide initiatives in change management, process improvement, and client engagement. Building and maintaining strong relationships with government clients will be central to your success, as will mentoring and developing team members to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to VGSO standards and values.
This positio n offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful legal work, influence public law in Victoria, and lead strategic initiatives that enhance client engagement and service delivery.
About the successful applicants
You are a senior legal practitioner with extensive experience in civil litigation and personal injury matters, ideally involving state care or institutional abuse claims. You have a proven ability to lead and inspire high-performing teams in a dynamic and complex environment, supported by strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and operational management skills.
Your exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities enable you to build trust and influence at all levels. You bring a deep understanding of government structures, policies, and the legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector, and you demonstrate tact, discretion, and sound judgment in achieving optimal outcomes.
As a professional leader, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You will also bring demonstrated experience in business development and relationship management, with the ability to foster strong and effective client relationships that support the growth of the branch and its practice areas.
Please note: Previous experience handling civil litigation and personal injury matters is essential.
Appointments are typically made at the base of the grade; however, remuneration may be negotiated commensurate with skills and experience.
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, 3 February 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.