Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time or part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Grade in advertisement
Occupation: Legal
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/VGSO951
About the VGSO
The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) is the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.
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 the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass pillars: Proud of what we do; Value every voice; Learn, grow, thrive; Always evolving; Act with care.
About the branch
The Public Law & Planning (PuLP) Branch of the VGSO 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. The Special Counsel role is intended to work with all three teams, although a particular speciality or interest in one of these practice areas may be considered.
The PuLP branch provides litigation services and legal advice across the above 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, we are currently seeking a senior and highly experience legal practitioner to join us as Special Counsel. This role will focus on providing specialised legal expertise and technical legal advice, and leading litigation, in high risk and significant public law matters. You will provide strategic leaderships to ad-hoc teams part of a team with deep experience in public law, but what you will bring is your capacity to lead the delivery of legal services in response to the diverse challenges of government practice.
About the successful applicant
The ideal applicant will be regarded as an expert; a senior and highly experienced legal practitioner with a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.
Applicants will be flexible and adept at delivering legal services in a manner which is fit for purpose, whether that is providing robust written advice for a legal audience or explaining a litigation strategy to a busy executive or minister. You can lead teams and manage projects, whether their timelines are short or longer term. A key trait is the ability to rise to a challenge, and bring others along with you.
The ideal applicant will have the capacity to contribute strategic insight and drive continuous improvement. They will also have demonstrated business development and relationship management experience and have the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships in order to grow the VGSO and its practice areas.
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 Wednesday, 6 May 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.