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

Full Job Description

Exposure to interesting legal work and high profile/public land and real property issuesJoin a supportive team environmentHybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work Ongoing | Full-timeSenior Solicitor (VPS 5): $116,413 - $140,849 plus superannuation per annumPrincipal Solicitor (VPS 6.1): $142,790 - $166,938 plus superannuation per annumSalary will be determined within the relevant VPS range based on the successful candidate's skills and practising experience.About the VGSOThe 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 roleAn 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 mattersConduct in-depth legal research and analysisDraft 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 collaborativelyContribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharingProvide informal mentoring and support to solicitorsPrincipal 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 projectsProvide clear, concise and authoritative written and oral advice to government, including interpretation of agreements, real property concepts and statutory interpretation issuesDraft, 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 mattersContribute to client relationship management and knowledge sharingSupervise, lead and mentor junior solicitorsSkills and experienceAdmitted to practice as a legal practitioner of the Supreme Court of VictoriaIdeal candidate will have either 4+ (Senior Solicitor) or 6+ (Principal Solicitor) years practising experienceStrong knowledge and understanding of principles and practice of property law in both transactional and advisory capacitiesExcellent interpersonal, communication and client relationship management skillsFlexibility and the ability to manage competing prioritiesProven experience supervising, leading and mentoring staffEnthusiasm for working in a government law officeWhy 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.BenefitsVGSO 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 applyIf 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 2026Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including but not limited to, reference checks, pre-employment misconduct screening and criminal record checks.