Why work at the VGSO

Working at the Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO), including benefits and entitlements.

The VGSO offers solicitors an excellent opportunity to work across a range of thought-provoking advice and litigation matters.

These include:

  • merits and judicial reviews with Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT)
  • the Supreme Court and High Court; government procurement; coronial inquests
  • prosecutions in the Magistrate’s Court
  • exclusive advice on constitutional law and Charter of Human Rights issues

We advise and represent government in high-profile matters that attract public attention and comment. You will be challenged and have the opportunity to use the full range of your legal abilities, negotiation skills and litigation strategy.

You'll join a firm that's going places

In 2007 the VGSO employed just under 60 lawyers. Today we employ approximately 160 lawyers. Our practice areas have grown and we are located across 4 sites in the CBD.

VGSO has what you are looking for in a law firm

The Victorian Government Solicitor's Office (VGSO) vision is to be the Victorian Government's trusted legal partner.

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.

  • The work is diverse and thought-provoking
  • Work with high calibre colleagues who are passionate about what they do
  • Be part of a collegiate workplace where knowledge sharing is valued
  • Manage your own legal files with an emphasis on independent legal thinking
  • Learn about the workings of government and its departments and agencies
  • Flexible working to suit your life beyond the office
  • Make a difference – public law is more than the bottom line

If you join the VGSO, you will be given a great deal of autonomy and responsibility and you will enjoy direct client contact where you are responsible for building client relationships. Our Graduates often comment on the high degree of client contact they obtain from day one, unlike many private law firms. For more senior lawyers, there is a great sense of contribution to fascinating areas of public interest. This builds a career path that is rewarding and intellectually satisfying.

Over the last few years, the VGSO has been involved with news-breaking matters related to every Victorian, including the Bushfire Royal Commission, Inquiry into the Hazelwood Mine Fire, constitutional issues, freedom of information work, native title and developing the Charter of Human Rights.

Join a socially responsible team

We are committed to pro bono work. Opportunities for secondment exist at the Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre and Inner Melbourne Community Legal, providing our lawyers with the chance to give back to the community.

An Environmental Initiatives Fund supports the Department of Justice and Community Safety's ongoing commitment to sustainability. As VGSO is part of the Department of Justice & Community Safety, you can get involved in identifying and implementing projects which will reduce the Department’s environmental footprint for the future.

Benefits and entitlements

Career support and development

  • Secondment opportunities
  • In-house CPD program
  • Practice Group learning opportunities
  • Subsidised professional memberships
  • Intensive graduate program
  • Access to Department of Justice learning programs
  • Study support

Lifestyle and flexibility

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Paid parental leave
  • Generous leave provisions
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Health and wellbeing program

Financial benefits

  • Novated leasing
  • Voluntary superannuation contributions
  • Bi-annual salary increments as per the Victorian Public Service Determination 2012

Recognition and giving

  • VGSO Pro bono program
  • Staff awards - recognition program
  • Participation in charity giving activities

Discounts

  • Annual myki pass
  • Health insurance rate discount
  • Microsoft office package
  • Optical discounts - testing & frames

Culture

  • Collegiate and supportive work environment
  • Social club
  • Casual Friday

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