Lead Counsel, Land Acquisition, Planning and Environment

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;  
• 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

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 providing highly specialised legal advice to supporting major projects and government initiatives. You are equally comfortable advising senior executives as you are mentoring and developing junior lawyers.

You have the capacity to contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You will also bring demonstrated experience in business development and relationship management, with the ability to foster strong and effective client relationships that support the growth of the branch and its practice areas.

Please note:

Appointments are typically made at the base of the grade; however, remuneration may be negotiated commensurate with skills and experience.

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 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 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 by email at careers@vgso.vic.gov.au 

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 14 October 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.