Managing Principal Solicitor, Inquiries and State Care in Melbourne

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 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 or Part-time VPS 6.2 | $166,939 - $191,084 per annum plus superannuation

About the VGSO: The 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.

About the branch: The Workplace relations, Regulatory, Administrative Law, Safety and Inquiries (WRASI) Branch provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in a broad range of practice areas. The branch has expertise in workplace relations, inquiries, administrative decision making and disciplinary reviews, prosecutions and regulatory proceedings and occupational health and safety matters and conducts complex litigation concerning state care, including historical institutional abuse, as well as personal injury and negligence claims.

About the role: We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic legal leader to join the VGSO as a Managing Principal Solicitor within the Inquiries and State Care team. Reporting directly to the Lead Counsel, you will lead a team of solicitors and oversee the delivery of high-quality litigation services and advice across a complex and sensitive portfolio of state care and personal injury matters.

As a senior leader within the branch, you will shape legal outcomes of strategic importance, strengthen client partnerships and foster a culture of excellence, collaboration and innovation. You will provide professional leadership, management and mentoring to a team of legal practitioners, ensuring the delivery of exceptional legal services while fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.

You will manage complex litigation matters from inception through to resolution, provide expert and authoritative legal advice on highly sensitive and high-profile matters, oversee legal research and analysis, and prepare Counsel briefs and litigation strategies.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with government clients, legal practitioners and key stakeholders will be central to your success, as will promoting the wellbeing, development and performance of your team.

About the successful applicants: You are a senior legal practitioner with significant experience leading and managing complex civil litigation matters, with demonstrated expertise in state care, historical institutional abuse and personal injury claims. Additional experience in criminal law, inquiries and/or large scale litigation will be highly regarded.

You have a proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing legal teams in a dynamic and complex environment, supported by strong strategic thinking, business acumen and operational management skills.

You are an influential and collaborative leader who can balance competing priorities while maintaining a strong focus on client outcomes and service excellence. Your exceptional stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills enable you to build trust and credibility with clients, counsel, colleagues and external stakeholders.

You bring a comprehensive understanding of government structures, policies and decision-making processes, together with the tact, discretion and judgement required to navigate complex and sensitive matters within the public sector environment.

As a professional leader, you will contribute to the strategic direction of both the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You will also bring highly developed communication and advisory skills, the ability to provide authoritative advice on complex legal issues, and a commitment to developing people, fostering wellbeing and driving continuous improvement.

To be successful in this role, you must be admitted to practice as a lawyer of the Supreme Court of Victoria and hold, or be eligible to hold, a current unrestricted practising certificate. Previous experience handling civil litigation and personal injury matters is essential.

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.

This position offers a unique opportunity to undertake meaningful and challenging legal work while contributing to the delivery of services that support the Victorian Government and the broader community.