Principal Solicitor, Police Advisory

About this role

• Senior role mentoring lawyers and supervising files
• Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile Police issues
• Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work
• Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time
• VPS 6.1 $142,790 - $166,938 plus superannuation per annum

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, 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 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 Victoria Police's activities and functions.

Legal services are provided on a diverse range of matters including statutory interpretation, criminal law, subpoenas, claims of  public interest immunity and other information protection, privacy and information sharing, police functions and powers, protection of vulnerable witnesses, forensic procedures, intervention order applications, and emergency management. A significant component of the advisory function is the provision of advice, under pressure of time, in circumstances requiring the exercise of sound judgement.

About the role 

We are seeking a lawyer with significant relevant experience to join the VGSO as a Principal Solicitor in our Police Advisory Branch. Reporting to a Managing Principal Solicitor, you will mentor and supervise junior lawyers, while providing high level legal and strategic advice.

The ideal applicant will be dynamic and responsive and able to demonstrate sound judgement on complex legal matters based upon significant legal experience. Ideally, this experience will be in a policing or law enforcement environment.

Applicants must have the ability to supervise and mentor lawyers and be willing to share their knowledge and experience across the Branch, contributing to initiatives which will continue to build a positive and cohesive working environment.

In addition to this, the successful candidate should have demonstrated experience and understanding of the principles and practice of law, including the provision of expert and authoritative legal advice and representation in all or some of the varied and diverse areas of practice of the Police Advisory Branch:

• Advising on police duties, powers and responsibilities at common law and under statute;
• Statutory interpretation, generally, as it arises in an operational policing context or as part of Victoria Police's administrative obligations;
• Criminal law, including criminal disclosure obligations;
• Responding to subpoenas, including making claims of public interest immunity, where appropriate;
• Advising on matters of administrative law, including privacy and information sharing;
• Forensic procedures;
• Specialised litigation and applications, which are necessary in an operational policing context;
• Emergency management; and
• Representing Victoria Police in summary prosecutions and intervention order applications. 

Along with the ability to develop positive and effective client relationships, applicants should have a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government and of the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector.

Please note a requirement of this role is holding a Baseline, Negative Vetting 1 or Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or be willing to obtain one.

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 or email careers@vgso.vic.gov.au   

Applications close at 11:59pm on Wednesday, 9 September 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.