Principal Solicitor, Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time or part-time

Salary: $138,631 - $162,076

Grade: VPS 6

Occupation: Legal

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/VGSO901

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) values diversity and seeks to attract and retain a diverse workforce with the best people for the role. We welcome applications from people of all ages, disability, ethnicity, family and caring responsibilities, gender, religion, sexual orientation and cultures including people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email

• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile matters
• Join a supportive team environment
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing
• Flexible work options available - this opportunity can be full-time or part-time
• VPS 6.1 $138,631 - $162,076 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)

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

Our branch provides specialist legal services to a wide range of government clients and departments, tackling matters that are both high profile and of public interest.

Our areas of expertise include:

• General civil, police civil, and tortious claims
• State care, personal injury, and negligence claims
• Contempt of court, defamation, injunctions, and vexatious litigant applications
• Inquests, supervision order matters, judicial review, and statutory interpretation
• Commercial litigation

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for a motivated and experienced senior lawyer looking for a challenging and rewarding role. We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible work arrangements, including part-time hours.

As a Principal Solicitor in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Branch, you will play a pivotal role in managing complex and sensitive litigation across a diverse range of cases.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Handling personal injury litigation (negligence and breach of statutory duty)
• Addressing historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in state care
• Managing contempt of court and vexatious litigant claims
• Working on matters under the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997
• Conducting judicial reviews, asset confiscation, coronial inquests, public liability cases, and subpoenas

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to support other streams of work within the branch, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.

Skills and experience

• Ideal candidate will have 6+ years post-admission experience
• Demonstrated experience in conducting complex and sensitive proceedings in state courts and tribunals, particularly personal injury/civil litigation, including a sound knowledge of relevant court practices and procedures
• Experience providing comprehensive written and oral legal advice which is fit for purpose
• Experience acting for government or statutory authorities and/or insurers would be highly regarded
• Proven experience supervising files and/or mentoring staff
• Good interpersonal communication skills to truly connect with team-members and work together to deliver exceptional results for our clients
• Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Practical and client focused problem solving and research skills
• A strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pr essure
• Criminal law/quasi-criminal law experience will be highly regarded

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality legal services.

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and contribute meaningful work for the state, we would love to hear from you.

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 Karlie Ridgwell, Talent Acquisition Advisor at or

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 24 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.

Applications close Wednesday 24 September 2025 at 11.59pm

Posted

10 September 2025