Lead Counsel, Public Inquiries and Institutional Abuse

• Senior legal role with strong client focus and strategic management capability
• Diverse, important and impactful work for the Victorian Community
• Specialised legal expertise in complex litigation is essential
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time
• VPS 7 $188,297 - $256,088 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 is comprised of approximately 40 lawyers, paralegals, project managers and support staff.

The branch provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to matters such as:

• establishing, running and responding to Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries;
• personal injury claims brought by former wards of State and other care leavers (e.g. institutional abuse claims);
• prosecutions and enforcement;
• administrative action and decision making;
• investigations, integrity and disciplinary matters;
• licensing and occupational regulation;
• judicial review and VCAT proceedings;
• privileges, confidentiality and document production.

The branch is led by an Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, with support from two Lead Counsels and five Managing Principal Solicitors.

Our people and clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are an inclusive and high-performing team that collaborates to deliver the best possible results for our clients. We provide learning and development opportunities to all our staff as they progress through their careers.

We have a deep repository of expertise across the branch, and are constantly developing new areas of practice.

Our work includes high-profile public inquiries and litigation, regulatory enforcement and statutory interpretation. It is complex and engaging, and always contains a public interest component.

About the role

We are seeking a senior, experienced and high-performing civil litigation lawyer to lead our public inquiries and institutional abuse portfolios.

The role is one of two Lead Counsel positions reporting directly to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor. The role is supported by three Managing Principal Solicitors, 10-15 lawyers, paralegals, project managers and administrative support staff.

It is a senior leadership role that is responsible for managing a large portfolio of litigation and public inquiries work. With an emphasis on civil litigation involving former wards of the State and care leavers, the role plays a critical part in shaping legal outcomes that carry significant public interest.

In addition to legal expertise, the role provides strategic leadership across the branch, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. The role includes people leadership and operational oversight, with an emphasis on client relationship management, change management and process improvement initiatives.

The role also plays a key role in client development, driving engagement strategies, strengthening relationships across government, and identifying opportunities to expand VGSO's influence. The role comes with an opportunity to develop and lead new practice areas within the IPA Branch.

This is a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, contribute to meaningful legal work, and help shape the future of public law in Victoria.

About the successful applicants

You are a senior and highly experienced legal practitioner, recognised for your expertise in civil litigation and personal injury matters. You bring an understanding of the structure and culture of government, along with the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. Your ability to navigate complex legal environments with discretion and strategic insight sets you apart.

You are motivated by the opportunity to lead other people leaders and understand the importance of having the right people, systems, and processes in place to deliver high-quality legal services to government clients. You have a proven track record in building and developing high-performing teams and thrive in environments that demand strategic thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As a professional leader, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You will also bring demonstrated experience in business development and relationship management, with the ability to foster strong and effective client relationships that support the growth of the branch and its practice areas.

Please note: Previous experience handling civil litigation and personal injury matters is essential.

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. 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 email

Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 21 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.