Managing Principal Solicitor , Workplace Relations

Department of Justice; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 167,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Department of Justice is seeking a Managing Principal Solicitor in Workplace Relations to lead complex matters for government clients and mentor junior solicitors. The role combines advisory and litigious work with direct client interaction in a collaborative, high‑performing team.

You will contribute to business development, client engagement and thought leadership while developing talent and maintaining strong client relationships within a flexible hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• Senior employment law practitioner with leadership experience.
• Ability to mentor junior solicitors and develop talent.
• Strong strategic, analytical and client relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex and high‑profile matters for government clients.
• Provide strategic legal advice and manage litigation.
• Mentor junior solicitors and foster a collaborative, high‑performing culture.
• Contribute to business development, client engagement and thought leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Client management

Job description

Managing Principal Solicitor , Workplace Relations

• Seeking variety, complexity and purpose? This role offers a mix of advisory and litigious work, direct client interaction, and diverse government clients
• Lead and mentor -Guide junior solicitors while building your leadership experience
• Be part of a high-performing, collaborative team that values knowledge-sharing, continuous improvement and career development
• Hybrid work- enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time
• VPS 6.2 $166,939 - $191,084 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)

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. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass, which guides 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 our Branch

The Workplace Relations, Regulatory, Administrative Law, Safety and Inquiries (WRASI) Branch of the VGSO 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 senior employment law practitioner to join VGSO as a Managing Principal Solicitor in the WRASI Branch.

In this pivotal role, you will lead complex and high-profile matters, providing strategic legal advice and managing litigation for government clients. You will play a key leadership role by mentoring junior solicitors, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture, and contributing to their professional growth.

To be successful in this role you will be passionate about developing talent, building strong client relationships, and delivering exceptional legal services to government clients.

This role offers the opportunity to further develop your marketing and communication skills through regular public speaking and training via client workshops. You will also contribute to business development initiatives, helping to grow the practice and strengthen client engagement through thought leadership, networking, and client-focused solutions.

We're looking for someone who brings:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and mentoring junior lawyers
• Strong strategic and analytical skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal issues
• Excellent interpersonal and client relationship management skills, with a collaborative and professional approach

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 Wednesday, 4 Novmber 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 Kate Miller, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, on 0408 353 ***or email*******@vgso.vic.gov.au