Principal Solicitor, Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment

• Unique opportunity to work on planning, environment and land acquisition matters at the heart of government
• A mix of litigation and advice work
• Join a supportive and dynamic team environment
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• 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 team

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:

• Planning and built heritage;
• Environment and climate change;
• Land acquisition and compensation;
• 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 a senior, experienced and strategic legal practitioner to join our Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment team as a Principal Solicitor.

Reporting to a Managing Principal Solicitor, you will be a key member of the team. You will supervise solicitors and senior solicitors in the delivery of high quality and insightful legal advice and strategy. You will have responsibility for matters across some of the State's most significant projects, and fostering strong client relationships across the public sector.

Your Skills and experience include:

• Ideal candidate will have 6+ years practising experience
• Proven ability to provide written and oral advice on planning, environment and compulsory acquisition law
• Experience conducting proceedings in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court of Victoria
• Proven experience supervising and/or mentoring staff, and supervising matters
• Good interpersonal, communication and negotiations skills
• Demonstrated ability to work on a number of files simultaneously
• Enthusiasm for working in a government law office
• Experience in acting for government, local government or statutory authorities would be advantageous

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, 3 December 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.