Senior leadership position responsible for managing, with support, a large team Strong client focus and strategic management capability Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest Fixed term (15 months) | Full-time or Part-time About This Role

Senior leadership position responsible for managing, with support, a large team Strong client focus and strategic management capability Unique opportunity to provide legal advice at the heart of government Diverse, challenging and fulfilling work on matters of public interest Fixed term (15 months) | Full-time or Part-time VPS 7 $193,946 - $263,771 plus superannuation per annum

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. We role-model the Victorian Public Sector values and VGSO's Our Compass pillars, 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 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; Workplace 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

We are seeking a senior and highly experienced lawyer to join VGSO as Lead Counsel of our Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment Team on a 15 month fixed term contract (parental leave cover).

Reporting directly to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, Public Law & Planning, the role involves management of a large team of over 20 solicitors and paralegals, including three Managing Principal Solicitors. The role is additionally supported by a dedicated legal project and practice coordinator, and administrative support.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for leading a significant portfolio of advisory and litigation work across land acquisition, planning and environment law. Working on matters of strategic importance to the Victorian Government, you will provide expert legal advice and guide the delivery of complex,



high-profile matters that support key government priorities.

Beyond legal practice, the role provides strategic and operational leadership across the branch, with responsibility for developing high-performing teams, enhancing client service delivery and driving financial sustainability.

The role also plays a key role in client development and identifying opportunities to expand VGSO's legal services. There is significant scope to help shape the future direction of the practice and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the branch.

This is a unique opportunity to lead highly specialised legal work, support major government initiatives, and make a meaningful contribution to the delivery of public outcomes for Victoria.

About The Successful Applicant

You are a senior and highly experienced lawyer, recognised for your expertise in land acquisition, planning and environment law. You bring a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government, along with the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. Your ability to navigate complex legal issues and provide strategic, solutions-focused advice enables you to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.

You are motivated by the opportunity to lead other people leaders and understand the importance of having the right people, systems and processes in place to deliver exceptional legal services. You have a proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams and thrive in environments that require strategic thinking, adaptability and continuous improvement.

You are an accomplished leader who can confidently operate across a broad range of matters, from pr

📌 Senior Lead Counsel: Land, Planning (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria
📍 Melbourne