Lead Counsel, Administrative and Regulatory Law

Victorian Government • Melbourne • 1w ago

Senior legal role with strong client focus and strategic management capability Diverse and high profile work on matters of public interest Specialised legal expertise in administrative and regulatory law is essential Hybrid work - enjoy the flexibility of office and remote work Ongoing | Full-time VPS 7 $188,297 - $256,088 plus superannuation per annum About the VGSO The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) serves the rule of law exclusively for the State. The VGSO provides responsive legal services exclusively for the Victorian Government and public sector. 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. About the branch The IPA branch of the VGSO is comprised of approximately 40 lawyers, paralegals, project managers and support staff. The branch provides specialist legal services and advice to the State in relation to matters such as: administrative action and decision making; licensing and occupational regulation; judicial review and VCAT proceedings; . investigations, integrity and disciplinary matters; privileges, confidentiality and document production; prosecutions and enforcement; establishing, running and responding to Royal Commissions and Public Inquiries; personal injury claims brought by wards of State and other former care leavers (e.g. institutional abuse claims). The branch is led by an Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor, with support from two Lead Counsels and five Managing Principal Solicitors. Our people and clients are at the heart of everything we do. We are an inclusive and high-performing team that collaborates to deliver the best possible results for our clients. We provide learning and development opportunities to all our staff as they progress through their careers. We have a deep repository of expertise across the branch, and are constantly developing new areas of practice. Our work is complex and engaging, and always contains a public interest component. About the role We are looking for a senior, experienced and high-performing public lawyer to lead our administrative law and prosecutions portfolios. The role is one of two Lead Counsel positions reporting directly to the Assistant Victorian Government Solicitor. The role is supported by two Managing Principal Solicitors, 10-15 lawyers, paralegals, project managers and administrative support staff. It is a strategic leadership role that is responsible for providing highly specialised legal expertise and authoritative advice across government, with a focus on administrative law, regulatory enforcement and statutory interpretation. In addition to legal expertise, the role provides strategic leadership across the branch—fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and collaboration. The role includes people leadership and operational oversight, with an emphasis on client relationship management, change management and process improvement initiatives. The role plays a key role in the financial management of the branch. The successful applicant will be responsible for maintaining established practice areas and billable targets, while identifying new opportunities for work. The role comes with an opportunity to develop and lead new practice areas within the IPA Branch. This is a unique opportunity to influence legal outcomes on matters of public interest, drive innovation, and contribute meaningfully to the delivery of legal services across government. About the successful applicants You are a senior and highly experienced legal practitioner, recognised for your expertise in administrative law and regulatory enforcement. You have demonstrated experience running merits review, judicial review and regulatory enforcement proceedings. You have established legal technical skills, with recognised expertise in advice writing and statutory interpretation. You bring a strong understanding of the structure and culture of government, along with the political and legal sensitivities of operating within the public sector. Your ability to navigate complex legal environments with discretion and strategic insight sets you apart. You are motivated by the opportunity to lead other people leaders and understand the importance of having the right people, systems, and processes in place to deliver high-quality legal services to government clients. You have a proven track record in building and developing high-performing teams and thrive in environments that demand strategic thinking, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a professional leader, you will contribute to the strategic direction of the Branch and the VGSO more broadly. You thrive in a billable legal environment, and have demonstrated business development and client relationship management experience. Please note: Previous experience administrative law and regulatory enforcement matters is essential. Appointments are typically made at the base of the grade; however, remuneration may be negotiated commensurate with skills and experience. 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 Tuesday, 25 November 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.

Related Jobs

Police Lawyer

Victoria Police • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Professional Support Lawyer, Youth Crime

Victoria Legal Aid • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Paralegal, Public Law & Planning

Victorian Government Solicitor's Office • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Legal Support Officer

Victoria Police • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Senior Lawyer, Summary Crime

Victoria Legal Aid • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Police Lawyer

Victoria Police • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Legal Support Officer

Victoria Police • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Intake Specialist

Victoria Legal Aid • Melbourne Region • 1d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

1d ago

Privacy Special Counsel, Legal Services and Integrity Branch - Privacy Unit

Department of Health • Melbourne Region • 2d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

2d ago

Legal Counsel

SYSTRA • Melbourne • 2d ago

Solicitors Adzuna

2d ago