Solicitor

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 81,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office in Melbourne is seeking an experienced lawyer to join the Constitution and Advice Team at Solicitor level. You will provide clear legal advice to government clients on constitutional and public law matters and help shape government policy through litigation and advisory work.

You will support state clients in complex constitutional and judicial review proceedings, delivering practical, authoritative written and oral advice while contributing to

Qualifications

• 1+ years practising experience
• Knowledge and experience in the principles and practice of administrative law, and knowledge and experience in constitutional law (or a strong willingness to develop it)
• A proven ability to deliver high-quality authoritative written and oral legal advice tailored to client needs
• Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation
• The ability to conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals or willingness to develop this ability
• 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

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice to government clients on constitutional and public law.
• Represent the State in significant litigation, including constitutional litigation and judicial review.
• Advise on development and application of legislation and on complex policy matters within the public law sphere.
• Support the Constitution and Advice Team in delivering practical, authoritative guidance to government clients.

Skills

Constitutional law

Administrative law

Legal advice

Statutory interpretation

Litigation in state/federal courts

Public sector experience

Job description

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office – Melbourne VIC

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/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you require a copy of this advertisement or any attached documentation in an accessible format, such as large print, please email *******@vgso.vic.gov.au

• Unique opportunity to provide legal services to government in the area of public law, including constitutional law and Treaty
• Diverse and fulfilling work on matters of public interest in a supportive team
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time
• VPS 3/4 $81,496 to $114,476 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.

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 pillars, 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 the branch and team

The Constitution and Advice 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 team's practice spans both advice work and litigation. The advice work includes complex advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation, as well as on various areas of exclusive VGSO work such as Federal and State constitutional law and Treaty and judicial review proceedings. Its litigation focusses primarily on constitutional matters (usually in the High Court) and judicial review proceedings.

The team's subject areas include:

• State and federal constitutional law;
• The application, interpretation and development of legislation (including in administrative decision-making);
• Public sector governance and integrity;
• Integrity body (including parliamentary) inquiries;
• Victoria's First Peoples, including Treaty; and
• Judicial review of administrative decisions.

About the role

We're looking for an experienced lawyer to join our high-performing Constitution and Advice Team at VGSO at the Solicitor level.

This is your opportunity to work at the centre of government, advising on constitutional and public law issues that have real impact. You'll support key government clients, deliver clear and practical legal advice, and represent the state in significant litigation, including constitutional litigation and judicial review matters.

You will have the opportunity to provide legal advice and conduct litigation for the State Government on complex and interesting matters, primarily in the areas of constitutional law and public law.

Skills and experience

• Ideal candidate will have 1+ yearspractisingexperience
• Knowledge and experience in the principles and practice of administrative law, and knowledge and experience in constitutional law (or a strong willingness to develop it)
• A proven ability to deliver high-quality authoritative written and oral legal advice tailored to client needs
• Strong understanding of, and experience in, statutory interpretation
• The ability to conduct complex and sensitive proceedings in state and federal courts/tribunals or willingness to develop this ability
• 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

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing, colla borative team at VGSO, where you'll be supported to grow as a skilled lawyer and future leader. If you're passionate about constitutional law and driven to make a meaningful impact, we'd love to hear from you.

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 your 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 Monday 5 October 2026.

Important details

• This recruitment process may be used to fill the role at either VPS 3 or VPS 4. Assessment, including consideration of your legal practice experience, skills and capability, will determine the classification level at which an offer may be made. Please refer to the attached position descriptions for details of both grades.
• Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.

Alternatively, you can contact Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor, by email at *******@vgso.vic.gov.au