Principal Solicitor, Police Advisory in Melbourne

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: VG/VGSO992

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 Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Senior role mentoring lawyers and supervising files

Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile Police issues

Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work

Ongoing | Full-time VPS 6.1 $142,790 - $166,938 plus superannuation per annum

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State. 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. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass, which guide how we work together in everything we do: Proud of what we do; Value every voice; Learn, grow, thrive; Always evolving; Act with care.

About the branch

The Police Advisory Branch (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State. This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of Victoria Police's activities and functions. Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including statutory interpretation, criminal law, subpoenas, claims of public interest immunity and other information protection, privacy and information sharing, police functions and powers, protection of vulnerable witnesses, forensic procedures, intervention order applications, and emergency management. A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time, in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced lawyer to join the VGSO as a Principal Solicitor in the Police Advisory Branch. Reporting to a Managing Principal Solicitor, you will provide high-level legal and strategic advice on complex and sensitive matters, while supervising files and mentoring junior lawyers. To succeed in this role, you will demonstrate sound judgement, responsiveness and the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment. Experience in a policing or law enforcement environment will be highly regarded. You will be an experienced supervisor and mentor who actively shares knowledge across the Branch and contributes to a positive, collaborative and cohesive working environment.

You will also bring demonstrated expertise in providing authoritative legal advice and representation across one or more of the Police Advisory Branch's diverse areas of practice, including:

• Advising on police duties, powers and responsibilities at common law and under statute;
• Statutory interpretation, generally, as it arises in an operational policing context or as part of Victoria Police's administrative obligations;
• Criminal law, including criminal disclosure obligations;
• Responding to subpoenas, including making claims of public interest immunity, where appropriate;
• Advising on matters of administrative law, including privacy and information sharing;
• Forensic procedures;
• Specialised litigation and applications, which are necessary in an operational policing context;
• Emergency management;
• Representing Victoria Police in summary prosecutions and intervention order applications.

You will build trusted and effective client relationships and bring a strong understanding of government structures, public sector culture, and the political and legal sensitivities associated with this environment.

Please note: This role requires a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance. Applicants must hold an appropriate clearance or be willing to obtain one.

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.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.

To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0499 333 652 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au.