Managing Principal Solicitor, Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment

• Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government
• Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time (minimum 4 days/week)
• VPS 6.2 $162,077 - $185,518 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 Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment Team is part of the Public Law and Planning Branch at VGSO. The Public Law and Planning branch operates in the epicentre of public law practice in Victoria. The Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment teams practice spans advice and litigation in subject areas including planning and built heritage and land acquisition and compensation.

The team's advisory work includes advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation and other instruments, principally in the team's subject areas. Its litigation focusses primarily on judicial and merits review of decision making in its subject areas, and contested land compensation and valuation matters.

The team's subject areas include:

• Land acquisition and compensation;
• Planning and built heritage;
• Environment and climate change;
• Major projects, project powers and project delivery;
• Aboriginal cultural heritage;
• Forestry, water and other resources; and
• Emergency management.

About the role

We are currently seeking two senior and highly experienced and strategic legal practitioners to join our Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment team as a Managing Principal Solicitor.

Reporting to the Lead Counsel, you will lead a team of talented solicitors in delivering expert legal advice and services across government, with a particular focus on land acquisition, planning, and environmental law. This role is pivotal in shaping legal strategy, driving excellence in service delivery, and fostering strong client relationships across the public sector.

You will play a key role in supporting the strategic direction of the Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment team, contributing to the broader goals of the Branch and VGSO, and ensuring alignment with our Strategic Plan, Business Plans, and organisational values.

Key responsibilities

• Provide highly specialised legal expertise and technical legal advice across government, particularly in land acquisition, planning and environment law;
• Provide strategic leadership to a team while contributing to the branch and the VGSO more broadly, ensuring the provision of high quality and responsive legal services and advice to Government, in alignment with the VGSO's Strategic Plan, relevant branch business plans and the VGSO values; and
• Proactively advance the VGSO's client strategies, practice areas and client relationships in order to further develop positive existing client relationships and establish new business opportunities.

About the successful applicant

You are a highly regarded senior legal practitioner with expertise in public law and a strong understanding of the structure, culture and sensitivities of government. You bring sound judgment, strategic insight, and a nuanced appreciation of the political and legal context in which public sector legal services operate.

You are extremely flexible: you are 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 ministerial one. You can lead a team and manage projects simultaneously, whether the timelines are short or longer term. You thrive in dynamic environments, managing multiple priorities and leading teams through both short-term challenges and long-term projects.

Your leadership style is inclusive and empowering. You understand that high-performing teams are built on strong foundations: the right people, thoughtful management, and effective processes. You are committed to developing talent and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.

You also bring a strategic mindset to business development and client engagement. You have a proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships, identify opportunities for growth, and contribute to the expansion of VGSO's 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:

• 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 Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, on or via

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 29 October 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.