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/VGSO917
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. In all aspects of our operations, we aim to role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence. The VGSO is a progressive and forward-thinking organisation.
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.
About the role
We are seeking a senior and experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as Managing Principal Solicitor in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch.
Reporting to Lead Counsel, the successful candidate will lead and supervise a team of enthusiastic and dedicated lawyers and paralegals, while providing high level legal advice across Government.
The role requires the efficient management of complex and sensitive litigation with a particular focus on State care, personal injury and negligence claims.
As an ideal applicant, you will be dynamic and responsive, have demonstrated people leadership capability and be eager to supervise, mentor and develop a team of lawyers. Collaboration is fundamental to success in this role and you must be willing to share your knowledge and experience across the Branch, and contribute to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.
You will bring to this role your strong ability to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant experience, along with the ability to develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities. Applicants will benefit from having a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.
Please note: Previous experience in managing a team as well as handling a broad range of personal injury and negligence matters is essential.
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 [email protected]
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.