Senior Lawyer - Child Protection

About this role

Join Victoria's largest employer of lawyers and make a difference where it matters most.

• Two full time ongoing positions (part time considered)
• Salary range: $101,869 - $118,844 and $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super, plus salary packaging  
• Make a real difference in child protection legal outcomes
• Priority for First Nations and West Melbourne community connections

We're growing our specialist legal services in Melbourne's West — and we're looking for passionate, resilient and highly capable lawyers to join our expanding Family, Youth and Children's Law team. These are challenging but deeply rewarding roles, focusing on Child Protection and Intervention Order matters in the Children's Court.

You'll work in an environment where no two days are the same — appearing in court, managing a busy caseload, and advocating for some of Victoria's most vulnerable children and families. You'll also play a key role in mentoring junior lawyers, building stakeholder relationships, and contributing to a high-performing, supportive legal team.

These roles are based at our CBD/Naarm office on Wurundjeri Country, providing services to the Melbourne Children's Court, and the Wyndham Law Courts on Bunurong Country.

Why join us?

• Impact – Your advocacy will directly affect the lives of children, families and communities.
• Growth – As the state's largest employer of lawyers, we offer clear pathways for career progression.
• Support – Be part of a collaborative team with access to mentoring, wellbeing resources, and professional development.
• Community connection – Priority is given to First Nations people and applicants with a strong connection to the communities we serve in Melbourne's West.

What you'll bring

• Proven advocacy experience in child protection, with experience in related jurisdictions preferred.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Adaptability and resilience to manage a high volume of complex and often sensitive matters.
• Commitment to ethical practice, client care, and collaborative team culture.

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. 

 Role Levels & Remuneration 

• Senior Lawyer A, Child Protection ($101,869 - $118,844): Deliver high-level legal services in child protection and intervention order matters and mentor junior lawyers
• Lead Senior Lawyer B, Child Protection ($110,357 - $127,333): Take on a leadership role in Child Protection practice, coaching other lawyers in Melbourne and across Victoria

Your role level will be assessed during the recruitment process. If you're unsure which level to apply for – just apply! 

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 
• 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 
• 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 setting out why you'd be a great Senior Lawyer in Child Protection at VLA. 

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 Jenny Anderson, Managing Lawyer, Child Protection on (03) 9280 3773 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. 

Applications close by 11.59pm on Thursday 11 September 2025.