Lawyer (Mental Health/Generalist)

About this role

• Full time ongoing position (part-time considered)
• Salary range: $90,871 - $101,868 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
This role is part of a new service model that's focused on improving legal access for people receiving compulsory mental health treatment. It's a collaborative approach between VLA, Mental Health Legal Centre and Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, co-designed with people who have lived experience of the mental health system.

You will act as an advocate within the regional office by providing high quality legal services including duty lawyer services, casework and advice services—primarily in mental health law matters, as well as other civil, criminal law and family violence matters.

You will primarily focus on legal assistance to people appearing before the Mental Health Tribunal in accordance with the Mental Health Legal Rights Service (MHLRS) model, with the opportunity to work across connected legal issues impacting our clients and help improve access to justice for clients experiencing disadvantage in the community.

This role is based at our Sunshine office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Experience advocating in legal settings and providing high-quality advice and casework.
• Knowledge or practical experience in mental health or disability law, or relevant experience in criminal, civil, or family violence.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those with complex needs.
• A commitment to trauma-informed, culturally safe, and client-centred practice.
• A demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting First Nations Australians and the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

About the Sunshine office 
Join our brand-new Sunshine office, which has been open for just a year and features state-of-the-art equipment. Located in the heart of Sunshine, our office is conveniently close to public transport, and a vibrant shopping centre with numerous dining options and coffee shops. Enjoy the added perk of fortnightly massages right in the office and be part of a fantastic team that values collaboration and well-being. This modern and dynamic environment is designed to support you both professionally and personally.

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 Liraz Jedwab, Regional Manager on (03) 9300 5332 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 10 July 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.