• 1x full time ongoing position (part-time applications considered)
• Multiple fixed term positions available
• Salary range: $98,902 - $123,624 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
We are thrilled to offer various ongoing and fixed term senior lawyer roles at our Dandenong office. In this role, you will provide high-quality legal services, including court advocacy, complex casework, and legal advice in criminal law and family violence matters. You'll represent clients in various courts ensuring they receive fair legal representation.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to mentor and train junior lawyers, supporting their professional growth. Please note, travel for court appearances and community outreach may be required.

This role is based at our Dandenong office on Bunurong Country. 

About Dandenong office

The Dandenong team is the largest regional VLA office providing legal services across criminal law, family violence, child protection, youth crime, family and civil law.  A large team of Independent Mental Health Advocates and an Independent Family Advocate are based in the region. Legal services are provided across two Magistrates' Courts (Dandenong and Moorabbin), the Specialist Children's Court (Dandenong), the Drug Court, the Mental Health Tribunal, the AAT, VCAT and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia. The City of Greater Dandenong local government area is the most culturally diverse community in Australia, with residents from over 150 birth places and over 60% of its population born overseas.  

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Strong experience in criminal law and family violence, with a proven advocacy track record.
• Understanding of court procedures and the laws related to criminal law and family violence is essential.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the capacity to communicate clearly and empathetically with clients facing social and economic disadvantages, as well as effectively engaging with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Proven experience supervising and mentoring junior staff, with a focus on their professional development.
• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Fatima Arjumand Mir, Acting Regional Manager on (03) 9767 7176 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Friday 25 April 2025.

Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.