About This Role
• Work on interesting and challenging commercial transactions and other matters, with a uniquely public interest lens
• Join a supportive team environment committed to the development of our people
• Hybrid work
- enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time
• Senior Solicitor (VPS 5): $116,413
- $140,849 plus superannuation per annum
• Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1): $142,790
- $166,938 plus superannuation per annum Salary will be determined within the relevant VPS range based on the successful candidate's skills and practising 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, fee for service legal qualified practice and strive for excellence in a 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 The Commercial, Property and Technology (CP&T;) Branch assists government clients to conduct significant commercial and property transactions and projects. The branch also offers specialist services in IP/IT, property and Native Title. It offers deep commercial expertise with a government perspective. The Commercial Team (where this role sits) supports government clients to achieve their commercial and public purpose objectives. The work is broad, and includes procurement and funding, corporate governance, entity establishment, government restructuring, data sharing projects and other commercial matters.

About The Role
An exciting opportunity exists for a Senior Solicitor or Principal Solicitor, depending on experience, with developed commercial law skills, to make a strong and meaningful contribution as an important team member within the CP&T; Branch. This role will particularly appeal to practical, results-driven lawyers who enjoy tackling complex legal issues but are looking to contribute their skills to support the public interest. Senior Solicitor (VPS 5) This role is well suited to lawyers with commercial legal practice experience and skills, who are seeking to continue to build deeper subject matter expertise in commercial law and who thrive in a fast paced environment, working with appropriate support and supervision.



It is a requirement of this role to have had the supervised legal practice condition removed from your practising certificate.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide high-quality written and verbal legal advice on complex, and often time-critical matters, delivering practical and commercially focused solutions to clients
• Undertake detailed legal research and analysis to support strategic decision-making and inform advice on legal issues
• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial documents, including procurement contracts, service agreements, funding and data sharing, and other transaction documentation
• Statutory interpretation
• Report to supervisors on files as required, working collaboratively across the CPT branch and the wider VGSO where required
• Contribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharing
• Provide informal mentoring and support to more junior solicitors Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1) This role suits experienced lawyers seeking to operate as trusted senior advisors, while also developing their supervision and leadership capabilities, within a dynamic environment. Principal Solicitors do not require day to day supervision of their work, but they still have an opportunity to work with other more senior practitioners from whom they can learn and develop.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the delivery of high-quality legal services on complex commercial and infrastructure matters, advising government clients on significant commercial transactions and major projects
• Provide trusted, commercially focused legal advice to government clients on a range of commercial matters, including contractual rights and obligations, governance frameworks, and legislative interpretation
• Prepare, negotiate and finalise a broad range of commercial and procurement documentation, ensuring legal, commercial and policy objectives are achieved
• Undertake research and analysis on complex and challenging matters
• Contribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharing
• Supervise, lead and mentor junior solicitors Skills And Experience
• Admitted to practice as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of Victoria




• Ideal candidate will have either 4+ (Senior Solicitor) or 6+ (Principal Solicitor) years practising experience
• Strong knowledge and understanding of principles and practice of commercial law in both transactional and advisory capacities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skills
• Flexibility and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Enthusiasm for working in a government law office. Why Join Us?
• Impactful Work: Engage in work that makes a real difference in the community and involves significant public transactions.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that is committed to 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. Benefits VGSO offers an inclusive, collegiate, and collaborative work environment where you will be well-supported and mentored to develop your knowledge and skills. 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.

How To Apply
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, apply now Click 'Apply Now' to start your application. Applications must include:
• a cover letter (no longer than 1 page) showing your skills to write succinctly with attention to detail
• 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 for the role in their cover letter. To find out more about this role, please view the position description attached. Alternatively, you can contact Karlie, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 0447 331 077 or by email at [email protected]. Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, 30 November 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 (Melbourne)
🏢 Department of Justice and Community Safety, Victoria
📍 Melbourne