Independent Children's Lawyer

About this role

• Full time ongoing position (part time applications considered)
• Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role
You will act as an Independent Children's Lawyer by undertaking complex legal work and represent the best interests of children and young people involved in family law proceedings.

You will work on your own matters as Independent Children's Lawyer, including undertaking court appearances as necessary, and you will collaboratively with other Independent Children's Lawyers in the organisation to provide support and assistance with their matters.  

This role is based at our Melbourne CBD office on Wurundjeri Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• A current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory);
• Entitled to practise in federal courts and courts exercising federal jurisdiction (entry on the High Court's Register of Practitioners) (mandatory);
• Completed the National Independent Children's Lawyer Training Program or willingness and eligibility to complete, noting that Stage 2 of the training is currently scheduled for 31 October 2025 in Victoria and ideal candidates would complete this training by that date (mandatory);
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the practice of family law, with demonstrated expertise in the analysis of facts and evidence;
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation and communication skills; and
• An interest in mentoring less experienced lawyers, building team morale and collaborating with key stakeholders.

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 1,400 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
• Opportunity to join Myki Commuter Club(and salary package the cost)
• Supportive team environment in modern offices (including free gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office)
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

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

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 Chelsea Trang, Managing Lawyer – Family Law on (03) 9269 0209 or Renee Rao, Recruitment Specialist on recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 13 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.