Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $142,790 - $166,938
Grade: VPS 6
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO985
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 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 relations, 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.
The Safety, Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance team provide specialist legal services and advice to the State with a particular focus on criminal law, prosecutions, regulatory compliance and occupational health and safety.
About the role
We are seeking an experienced criminal, prosecutions and/or regulatory lawyer to join our team as a Principal Solicitor within our Safety, Regulatory Enforcement and Compliance team in the WRASI branch.
This is an exciting opportunity to work across a diverse and complex practice, combining legal advice, litigation, prosecution, regulatory compliance and strategic legal work. You will provide high-quality legal services to clients, manage a varied caseload of criminal law, regulatory and OHS matters, and play an important role in mentoring and developing junior solicitors.
About the successful applicant
You are a highly capable and respected legal practitioner with strong technical expertise in criminal law, litigation, legal and evidentiary analysis and advocacy. You build trusted relationships and are skilled at influencing, negotiating and achieving outcomes for a diverse range of stakeholders.
You may already have experience in occupational health and safety matters, although this is not essential. You bring a background in criminal law, prosecutions and/or regulatory enforcement and compliance and are interested in developing expertise in occupational health and safety, with training provided as required.
Operating with professionalism, discretion and sound judgement, you thrive in complex environments and are confident managing sensitive legal matters within a government setting.
You provide strategic, practical and sound legal advice, balancing competing priorities while delivering high-quality outcomes.
As a senior member of the team, you lead by example, contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, and support the development of junior practitioners through coaching, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
You will bring:
Please note:
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, skills and expertise. 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 for the role in their cover letter.
To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Pieta Baccinetti on 0408 328 343 or by email at [email protected].
Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 1 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.