Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $142,790 - $166,938
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO992
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 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 Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of Victoria Police's activities and functions.
Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including statutory interpretation, criminal law, subpoenas, claims of public interest immunity and other information protection, privacy and information sharing, police functions and powers, protection of vulnerable witnesses, forensic procedures, intervention order applications, and emergency management. A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time, in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as a Principal Solicitor in the Police Advisory Branch. Reporting to a Managing Principal Solicitor, you will provide high-level legal and strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters, while supervising files and mentoring junior lawyers.
To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate sound judgement, responsiveness and the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a policing or law enforcement environment will be highly regarded.
You will be an experienced supervisor and mentor who actively shares knowledge across the Branch and contributes to a positive, collaborative and cohesive working environment.
You will also bring demonstrated expertise in providing authoritative legal advice and representation across one or more of the Police Advisory Branch's diverse areas of practice, including:
You will build trusted and effective client relationships and bring a strong understanding of government structures, public sector culture, and the political and legal sens itivities associated with this environment.
Please note: This role requires a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance. Applicants must hold an appropriate clearance or be willing to obtain one.
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 Andrew McMellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0499 333 652 or email [email protected]
Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 25 October 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.