Principal Solicitor, Inquiries, Prosecutions and Administrative Law

• Senior role supervising and mentoring staff
• Diverse, important and impactful work for the Victorian Community
• Hybrid Work - Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time
• VPS 6.1 - $138,631 - $162,076 plus superannuation per annum

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.

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 and Royal Commissions, litigation on state care, personal injury and negligence claims. The branch is led by the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (IPA) and is supported by approximately 60 employees; solicitors and legal support who work within teams.

The branch provides specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury, and negligence claims. With our civil litigation team primarily handling personal injury claims brought by former wards of the State and other individuals who experienced similar circumstances, including those involving historical institutional abuse.

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.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Solicitor to join our State Care and Personal Injuries Team. This is a unique opportunity to provide expert legal services to government clients, manage complex litigation, and mentor a team of talented legal professionals.

Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, your role as a Principal Solicitor will be to deliver specialist legal advice and representation in state care and personal injury matters. You will independently manage a diverse and sensitive caseload, contribute to strategic legal outcomes, and play a strategic and operational leadership role within the team.

In addition to your core litigation and advisory responsibilities, you'll contribute to the development of the team by supervising and mentoring junior solicitors. You'll also have the opportunity to broaden your experience by supporting other legal streams within the branch, ensuring variety and professional growth.

Our team embraces innovation through new technologies and fresh approaches to legal service delivery while prioritising professional development in a safe, supportive learning environment with direct access to senior leadership. Located in the vibrant Paris end of the city, our office conveniently surrounded by some of Melbourne's best cafes, restaurants, and cultural spots.

Skills and experience

We're looking for a driven and accomplished legal professional who thrives on complexity and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for government clients. You'll bring:

• Substantial experience working on complex and sensitive litigation, ideally with experience specialising in personal injury matters, criminal, administrative and/or regulatory law.
• Knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks and procedures relating to civil claims, personal injuries and negligence.
• Proven ability to deliver strategic, authoritative legal advice, both written and oral, on complex and sensitive matters in both litigation and advisory contexts.
• Advanced legal research and analytical skills, including a sharp eye for statutory interpretation and emerging legal issues.
• Leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to mentor, guide, and support junior legal staff.
• Hands-on experience with discovery and document management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in complex matters.
• A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work seamlessly within a high-performing team and build strong, trusted relationships with stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a focus on client service, relationship management, and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, lead complex projects, and contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives such as precedent reviews and litigation manuals.

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 Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on or email

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 14 September 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.