The public service is unique in its ability to shape the future of our communities, and government lawyers are at its very heart. They support critical decision-making, influence policy and law reform, run high-stakes litigation, and help deliver services and projects that improve the lives of all Victorians.
If you are looking for rewarding and stimulating work, a career as a government lawyer provides opportunities that are unrivalled by the private sector.
What is government law?
Government law spans the full spectrum of practice areas. This includes the traditional areas of public law – including constitutional, administrative, human rights and discrimination – through to employment law, property, planning, corporate and commercial work.
Government lawyers are engaged by all parts of government. Major departments such as Health, Education and Justice require significant legal expertise, as do agencies as diverse as the Environment Protection Authority, Victoria Police and WorkSafe. The Victorian Government Solicitor’s Office alone employs over 210 lawyers.
The sheer size of government means there are roles to suit lawyers with all manner of expertise and experience. Given the variety of work available, it’s also a great training ground for graduates.
Rewarding, meaningful work
Scale, impact and richness of work sets the public sector apart from almost every other employer.
Working at the centre of government, our lawyers draft legislation, support the delivery of huge infrastructure projects and guide government’s response in times of crisis. They run investigations and prosecutions, and are advocates in criminal cases and child protection matters. They advise Cabinet and support government’s engagement with other States and Territories. Indeed, government lawyers are involved in work across the entire span of government activity.
Government lawyers also:
- advise on constitutional issues, parliamentary procedures and conventions, and matters relating to executive power and accountability
- ensure government acts consistently with its obligation to protect citizens’ rights and freedoms
- manage large commercial transactions
- support critical planning and development decision-making
- represent the State at Royal Commissions and Boards of Inquiry
- advise on high-profile, State-significant litigation
- help negotiate complex industrial agreements
- ensure injured workers are fairly compensated.
Government lawyers routinely brief Ministers and other key decision-makers, and they have the further privilege of working with some of the State’s best legal minds, whether they are other in-house lawyers, the Solicitor-General, or members of the private Bar.
A supportive environment and opportunities to develop and grow
Whether you are a generalist or specialist, early or mid-career, or even looking for an executive or leadership role, you'll enjoy a supportive culture and be part of a committed, high-performing legal team.
For junior lawyers and graduates, the public sector offers the rare chance to work autonomously, with meaningful exposure to clients and valuable mentoring opportunities.
There's a strong focus on professional development at all levels, including secondment opportunities.
Victorian Government lawyers are also highly mobile and it’s routine and easy to move between agencies. This allows people to grow and remain engaged in interesting and rewarding work. There are also opportunities to move to non-legal roles in the VPS.
As a public sector employee, you can expect excellent working conditions, a competitive salary, and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.
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