• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile/public issues
• Hybrid working from home/office environment
• Fixed-Term (12 months) | Full-time
• VPS 5 $113,022 - $136,747 plus superannuation per annum (depending on experience)

About the VGSO

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.

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. In all aspects of our operations, we aim to role model and live by our values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Insight, Collaboration and Excellence.

Join our dedicated and collaborative Police Advisory Branch!

The Police Advisory Branch at the VGSO is looking for a motivated and experienced lawyer looking for a challenging and rewarding role. We want you to be part of our team!

About the branch: The Police Advisory Branch  (PAB) is a work unit of the VGSO located at Victoria Police's corporate headquarters in Docklands. The primary objective of the Police Advisory Branch is to provide legal services to the Chief Commissioner of Police and by extension to all Victoria Police personnel across the State.  This involves the provision of strategic legal advice and legal representation in connection with the administration of the force and police enforcement activities and functions. 

Legal services are provided across a diverse range of matters, including:

• Statutory interpretation
• Criminal law offences and procedure
• Subpoenas (including claims of public interest immunity)
• Administrative law
• Privacy and information sharing
• Police functions and powers
• Protection of vulnerable witnesses
• Media and defamation
• Forensic procedures
• Intervention order applications
• Emergency management

A significant component of the advisory function involves:

• Providing advice under time pressure
• Exercising sound judgment in complex and urgent situations

About the Role: As a Senior Solicitor in our Police Advisory Branch, you will play a pivotal role in supporting and managing complex and sensitive matters across a diverse range of cases. Your responsibilities will include:

• Prepare timely legal and strategic advice (both written and oral) on a wide range of complex matters, often of an urgent nature.
• Undertake research and analysis at an advanced professional level on complex and sensitive legal matters.
• Appear or instruct counsel in varied and sensitive proceedings in courts and tribunals.
• Contribute to the development of the VGSO by:
• actively participating in client relationship management;
• contributing to knowledge sharing activities and internal precedents;
• providing mentoring to junior solicitors as required; and
• attending staff meetings and involvement in other activities.

Skills and Experience:

• Extensive legal expertise: Police powers, criminal law and procedure, statutory interpretation, administrative law, and related areas including privacy and tort law.
• Strong courtroom knowledge: A solid understanding of court practices, rules of criminal litigation, and procedures for disclosure, subpoenas, trials, and appeals.
• Exceptional written and analytical skills: Demonstrated through the provision of clear, expert legal advice on complex and sensitive matters, and the ability to conduct in-depth legal research.
• Effective advocacy and collaboration: Proven ability to communicate persuasively in various jurisdictions and work productively within teams under tight deadlines.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work:Engage in cases that make a real difference in the community and involve significant public interest issues.
• 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. 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 the '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 the Andrew McLellan, Talent Acquisition Advisor at 0499 333 652 or careers@vgso.vic.gov.au

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday 20 July 2025

Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.