About This Role Work on significant planning, environment and land acquisition matters that shape Victoria's future.

Enjoy a varied practice spanning complex advice, strategic problem-solving and litigation.

Grow your expertise through mentoring, professional development and opportunities to build specialist practice areas.

Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work

Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time

VPS 5 $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation per annum (dependent upon 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, 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 Team The Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment 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 Land

Acquisition, Planning and Environment teams practice spans advice and litigation in subject areas including planning and built heritage and land acquisition and compensation. The team's advisory work includes advice on the application, interpretation and development of legislation and other instruments, principally in the team's subject areas. Its litigation focusses primarily on judicial and merits review of decision making in its subject areas, and contested land compensation and valuation matters.

The Team's Subject Areas Include Planning and built heritage

- Environment and climate change
- Land acquisition and compensation
- Major projects, project powers and project delivery
- Aboriginal cultural heritage
- Forestry, water and other resources; and Emergency management.





About The Role An exciting opportunity has become available for a talented and motivated Senior Solicitor with experience in land acquisition, planning and workplace law to join the Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment (LAPE) team within the Public Law and Planning Branch. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex and often high-profile matters that are critical to the delivery of government objectives and the public interest. You will advise and represent Victorian Government clients across a broad range of land acquisition, planning and environmental law matters, contributing to significant infrastructure, policy and regulatory projects across the State.

The nature of the State's responsibilities provides a diverse mix of advisory and litigation work, including merits and judicial review proceedings, statutory interpretation, and complex administrative law issues.

Responsibilities Provide strategic oral and written legal advice across the LAPE team's key areas of practice, particularly in relation to the exercise of administrative and statutory powers.

Conduct and manage complex litigation, including merits and judicial review proceedings in courts and tribunals.

Prepare, manage and instruct counsel and expert witnesses in complex and sensitive matters.

Advise on major public infrastructure projects and significant government initiatives.

Build and maintain strong client relationships, delivering practical and commercially focused legal solutions.

Contribute to the mentoring, supervision and professional development of junior solicitors.

Skills And Experience Demonstrated experience in planning and environmental law.





Knowledge of compulsory acquisition and administrative law will be highly regarded.

Proven ability to deliver clear, strategic and authoritative written and oral legal advice on complex matters.

Experience conducting and managing judicial and merits review proceedings.

Strong analytical, problem-solving and legal research skills.

Excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes within tight timeframes.

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 versatile 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.

How To Apply If this sounds like the chance for you, apply now! Click 'Apply Now' to start your application.

Applications must include: a cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) resume Please note it is not a requirement to respond to the Key Selection Criteria separately but applicants should outline their relevant skills/experience and suitability to the role in their cover letter. 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 353 909 or email [email protected] Applications close at 11:59pm on Tuesday, 18 August 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.

📌 Senior Solicitor, Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria
📍 Melbourne