Principal Solicitor, Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Part-time options

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) invites applications for a Principal Solicitor in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution (LDR) branch. The role focuses on expert legal services to government clients, managing complex litigation, and mentoring junior solicitors.

The LDR branch handles state care, personal injury and civil matters, with a supportive, learning-focused culture. Flexible work arrangements, including part-time options and hybrid work, are welcomed.

Qualifications

• 6+ years practising experience in civil or state litigation.
• Experience conducting complex and sensitive litigation in state courts and tribunals.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise strategic civil litigation.
• Independently manage a diverse caseload.
• Supervise and mentor junior solicitors and paralegals.
• Play a strategic and operational role within the team and the LDR branch.

Skills

Years of practice

Complex litigation

Legal advice (written)

Government/insurers work

Supervising staff

Client-focused problem solving

Multitasking

Managing priorities

Turnaround focus

Job description

• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile matters
• Join a supportive team environment
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Flexible work options available - opportunity can be full-time or part-time

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 Litigation and Dispute Resolution (LDR) branch comprises of a number of legal teams that provide specialist legal services to a wide range of government clients and departments, tackling matters that are both high profile and of public interest.

The branch is the largest within the VGSO and is led by the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor (LDR) who is supported by approximately 95 employees, being solicitors, junior solicitors and legal support.

Our areas of expertise include:

• State care, personal injury, and negligence claims (including historical institutional abuse claims involving former minors and young persons in the care of the State)
• General civil, police civil, and tortious claims
• Coronial investigations including inquests
• Supervision order proceedings pursuant to the Crimes (Mental Impairment and Unfitness to be Tried) Act 1997
• Supervision order and detention order proceedings pursuant to the Serious Offenders Act 2018
• Post-sentence orders pursuant to the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
• Judicial review and statutory interpretation
• Contempt of court, defamation, injunctions, and vexatious litigant applications

About the role

An exciting opportunity has become available for a motivated and experienced Principal Solicitor looking for a challenging and rewarding role involving the provision of expert legal services to government clients, the management of complex litigation, and the ability to mentor junior solicitors.

The LDR branch prioritises professional development across all levels in a safe, supportive learning environment with direct access to senior leadership. Reporting to the Managing Principal Solicitor, your role as a Principal Solicitor will be focussed upon delivering specialist legal advice and representation acrossa range of cases.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and supervising strategic civil litigation
• Independently managing a diverse caseload
• Supervising and mentoring junior solicitors and paralegals
• Playing a strategic and operational role within the team and the LDR branch

Please note that the LDR branch provides specialist litigation services in matters involving state care, personal injury and negligence claims and that all lawyers in the LDR branch will undertake this work. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to support other streams of work within the branch, ensuring a varied and enriching experience.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking flexible work arrangements, including part-time hours.

Skills and experience

• Ideal candidate will have 6 + years practising experience
• Demonstrated experience in conducting complex and sensitive litigation in state courts and tribunals,including a sound knowledge of relevant court practices and procedures
• Experience providing comprehensive written and oral legal advice which is fit for purpose
• Experience acting for government or statutory authorities and/or insurers would be highly regarded
• Experience in personal injury/civil litigation is desirable
• Proven experience supervising files and/or mentoring staff
• Good interpersonal communication skills to truly connect with team-members and work together to deliver exceptional results for our clients
• Proven ability to effectively manage competing priorities, within a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Practical and client focused problem solving and research skills
• A strong focus on turnaround time and ability to work under pressure

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and development.
• Collaborative Team: Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality legal services.

If you are ready to take on a challenging role and contribute meaningful work for the State, we would love to hear from you.

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. We are committed to the ongoing learning and development of employees, placing great value on continuous professional development for staff at all levels.

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.

Alternatively, you can contact Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor on 0499 333 652 or email [e-mail]

Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday 27 October 2027

Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.