Senior Solicitor / Principal Solicitor, Workplace Relations

Full Job Description

Seeking variety, complexity and purpose? This role offers a mix of advisory and litigious work, direct client interaction, and diverse government clientsBe part of a high-performing, collaborative team that values knowledge-sharing, continuous improvement and career developmentHybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work Ongoing | Full-time or Part-time (open to considering flexible work arrangements)Senior 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 branchThe Workplace relations, Regulatory, Administrative Law, Safety and Inquiries (WRASI) branch of the VGSO provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in a broad range of practice areas. The branch has expertise in workplace and industrial relations, discrimination, Inquiries and Royal Commissions, administrative law, disciplinary proceedings, prosecutions, regulatory compliance, occupational health and safety, and conducts complex litigation concerning claims against the State, including historical institutional abuse, as well as personal injury and negligence claims. Our workplace relations practice delivers a diverse mix of litigation and advisory work across employment law, industrial relations and anti-discrimination. The work is intellectually stimulating, varied and often of significant public interest. Our lawyers regularly collaborate with specialists from across VGSO, including constitutional and public law, administrative law and commercial law, providing exposure to a breadth of legal issues rarely available elsewhere.About the roleWe have an exciting opportunity for a workplace and industrial relations lawyer seeking meaningful work, ongoing development and a diverse practice to join the team as a Senior Solicitor or Principal Solicitor. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on a range of matters, including:Enterprise agreement interpretation and industrial disputes;Employment-related litigation including unfair dismissal, general protections, sexual harassment and discrimination claims;Advice on employment-related issues (including managing misconduct, performance and incapacity, workplace investigations, bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination complaints); andAdvice on public law related matters, including advice relating to public service and public sector executives.Skills and experienceWe're looking for someone who brings:Demonstrated experience in employment law and industrial relationsStrong legal research and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to navigate complex legal issuesExperience managing litigation and disputes in courts, tribunals and/or other dispute resolution forumsWell-developed written and oral communication skills, delivering advice that is clear, authoritative, and tailored to client needsThe ability to build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders and deliver high-quality client serviceStrong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlinesA collaborative approach and commitment to contributing positively to team cultureSenior Solicitor (VPS 5): this position is suited to lawyers with 4+ years' practising experience seeking to deepen their workplace relations expertise while managing complex matters with increasing autonomy. The Principal Solicitor (VPS 6.1): position is suited to lawyers with 6+ years' practising experience who can lead and provide strategic advice on complex and high-profile matters while supervising and developing junior lawyers. Applicants for the Principal Solicitor role must hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted practising certificate.Government experience is welcomed but not essential. We encourage applications from candidates currently working in private practice, government or in-house legal teams.BenefitsVGSO 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 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 to 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.