Senior Solicitor / Principal Solicitor (Property) - Commercial, Property and Technology

About this role

• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile/public land and real property issues
• Join a supportive team environment
• 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 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 

The Commercial, Property and Technology (CP&T) Branch assists government clients to conduct significant transactions and projects, manage their corporate affairs and acquire, manage or dispose of estates and interests in land, goods or services. The branch offers specialist services in IP/IT, property and Native Title. It offers deep commercial expertise with a government perspective.   

The Property Team advises government clients in relation to a wide range of leasing, licensing, purchase and sale transactions and public infrastructure developments occurring on Crown and freehold land, involving the private sector and other government agencies.  

Many of these land transactions, developments and projects involve substantial financial commitments by government, and the provision of significant infrastructure or services to clients, which include departments and statutory authorities. 

About the role

An exciting opportunity exists for a Senior Solicitor or Principal Solicitor with developed property law skills, to make a strong and meaningful contribution as an important team member within the CP&T Branch.  

Specifically, this role will appeal to you if wish to perform challenging and interesting legal work for State Government and statutory authority clients, in connection with government land and property transactions involving both Crown and freehold land, including the drafting and negotiation of various agreements relating to property and commercial transactions.

Senior Solicitor (VPS 5)
This role is well suited to lawyers seeking to continue building deep subject matter expertise in property law and who thrive in a fast paced environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Prepare written and oral legal advice on complex and often urgent matters
• Conduct in-depth legal research and analysis
• Draft and negotiate a range of complex property and commercial agreements, including commercial leases and licences, contracts of sale and land use and development agreements 
• Report to supervisors on files as required, working collaboratively
• Contribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharing
• Provide informal mentoring and support to 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. It is a requirement of this role to have had the supervised legal practice condition removed from your practising certificate. 

Key responsibilities:

• Independently prepare, manage and conduct a range of complex and/or sensitive matters including providing legal advice to government clients, particularly in relation to property issues, land transactions and public infrastructure projects
• Provide clear, concise and authoritative written and oral advice to government, including interpretation of agreements, real property concepts and statutory interpretation issues
• Draft, negotiate and assist in settling a range of complex property and commercial agreements, including commercial leases and licences, contracts of sale and land use and development agreements 
• 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 property law in both transactional and advisory capacities
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skills
• Flexibility and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Proven experience supervising, leading and mentoring staff
• 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 landholdings.
• Professional Growth: Benefit from a supportive environment that encourages 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 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 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 careers@vgso.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Thursday, 29 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.