The role of a Graduate Lawyer with the VGSO is wonderfully diverse, constantly challenging and extremely interesting. As a Graduate Lawyer, you will gain exposure to various facets of the legal system, with three-month rotations through four of our five Branches: Government & Public Law, Commercial, Property & Technology, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Victoria Police, and Workplace Relations & Regulatory Compliance.

VGSO Graduate Program (formally VGSO Traineeship Program)

Why choose a Graduate position at the VGSO?

Our Graduate Program offers you a unique foundation for a rewarding career as a lawyer, whether in government or private practice. You will work on interesting, high-profile matters, with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility.

You will work with talented, highly-motivated and enthusiastic colleagues, who will help to mentor and guide you.

Highlights of the Graduate Program include:

Variety
Exposure to various facets of the legal system with rotations through four of the five VGSO Branches.
Opportunities
You will work on interesting, high-profile matters, with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility, as you not only represent your client but the State.
Work/life balance
The VGSO values the importance of encouraging a flexible working environment. We offer a range of options such as flexible working arrangements, part-time employment and generous leave provisions.
Supportive environment
The VGSO operates in an open-door environment where knowledge is shared in a supportive and collegiate manner, you can also expect regular feedback to assist you in the development of your skills, confidence and ability.
Continuing professional education

We encourage all of our legal practitioners to participate in learning and development activities that will further enhance their skills and expertise. The VGSO's Learning & Development Program is tailor-made for individual careers and allows for learning on the job through numerous hands on experiences such as:

  • opportunities to attend courts and tribunals;
  • draft complex advices;
  • refine research skills and become involved in major commercial agreements;
  • practical involvement with specialised areas of law; and
  • access to a range of expertise from our senior lawyers by participating in our Mentoring Program.

Graduate Lawyers also receive training through Leo Cussens to successfully complete the values, skills and some practice area components of the Supervised Workplace Traineeship.

2020 Graduate Recruitment and Selection Calendar

The VGSO is offering a number of positions commencing March 2020.

Applications open: Friday 9 August 2019
Applications close: 11:59pm Sunday, 18 August 2019
Interviews to commence: September 2019
Offers made from: 10am, Friday, 20 September 2019
Traineeships commence: March 2020

All dates in relation to the recruitment of Graduate Lawyers are subject to the LIV guidelines. VGSO adheres to the guidelines and will be making offers at 10am Friday, 20 September 2019.

How to apply

Applications for the 2020 Graduate program will be open in accordance with the LIV guidelines.

To view Current Opportunities, please click here.

 

What do our 2016 Trainee Lawyers have to say?

In 2016 the VGSO welcomes its largest cohort of graduate lawyers into the Traineeship Program in Rachel Hui, Dallas Mazoori, Katharine Brown, Jack Maxwell, Louise McNeil, Brittany Myers, Louis Andrews, Tanita Northcott, Rachel Hui and Milli Allen. This group was admitted to the legal profession as Australian lawyers and officers of the Supreme Court of Victoria in May 2017, and are now all Solicitors at the VGSO.

Rachel Hui shares her experience as a 2016 Trainee:

"During my VGSO traineeship, I received the guidance and support of senior lawyers while being empowered to run matters on my own where appropriate. Some memorable moments include instructing counsel at a VCAT hearing, handling a dispute with a vexatious litigant, taking part in a workplace investigation, and sharing my ideas at meetings with clients on a number of sensitive and complex matters. In working closely with senior lawyers, I gained an appreciation of what it means to be a model litigant, and how important it is to develop strong client relationships built on VGSO's reputation of being the government's trusted legal advisor.
 
Working across four VGSO branches over the year also provided an invaluable opportunity to get to know people, understand the diversity of work that each VGSO team does and the potential for collaboration. It's great to know now who I can easily approach as a resource whenever I need to discuss an issue outside my area of practice. 
 
Although the traineeship was challenging at times, it was a rewarding experience that gave me the confidence to take on the responsibilities that accompanied the excitement of finally becoming a solicitor. The work I did enabled me to hone my research and communication skills, sharpen my professional judgment, and become a more adaptable team player. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of VGSO's dynamic and collegiate working environment, alongside people who are truly passionate about the practice of government law."
 

Who to contact

For further details about the Graduate Program please contact:

VGSO People and Culture
tel + 61 3 9032 3025
ua.vog.civ.osgvadd5aebfcb33a2206b6497d53bc4f309@add5aebfcb33a2206b6497d53bc4f309erutlucdnaelpoep

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