Lawyer

About this role

• Maximum term position up to 12 months (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
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is looking for a dedicated Lawyer to join our team in Geelong. In this role, you'll provide high-quality legal services, including duty lawyer support, casework, and advice, with a primary focus on criminal law, child protection and/or family violence. You'll represent clients in various courts and tribunals, advocating for those who need it most and helping improve access to justice in the community.

This role presents an exciting opportunity to engage in interesting and at times complex work aimed at improving legal services across the Barwon region. The varied and interesting work mix will allow you to accelerate the development of your advocacy skills.

This role is based at our Geelong office on Wadawurrung Country.

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Proven experience in representing clients in criminal law, family violence and/or child protection in court.
• A current Australian practising certificate that entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with clients, colleagues, and external stakeholders, handling sensitive issues with care.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality legal services and ensuring clients receive the support they need.

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.

Why Geelong:

Whether you're moving from a regional area, relocating interstate, or coming from Melbourne, Geelong is a significant regional city offering plenty for you and your family. Here's what makes Geelong a great place to live, work, and play:

• Education: A variety of public and private schools, plus tertiary education options for all ages.
• Family-friendly services: Access to childcare, pre-school programs, and family support services.
• Healthcare: Four hospitals in the greater Geelong area, alongside a range of medical centres and allied health services.
• Lifestyle: Explore local shopping centres, vibrant markets, easy access to the coast and nature, and a calendar full of festivals and events. Easy access to some of the best coastline in the world for exploring, swimming and surfing.

Geelong offers the best of both worlds—dynamic city living with the relaxed charm of regional life.

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 Marie Casey, Acting Regional Manager on (03) 5226 5612 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

This position is advertised internally and only available to current VLA employees.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 14 September 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.