Senior Lawyer (Criminal Law and Family Violence)

About this role

Help build something lasting

Victoria Legal Aid is expanding its regional presence to meet growing demand for high-quality legal services in the Ovens Murray region.

Based in Wodonga on Wiradjuri and Dhudhuroa Country, we're seeking an experienced Senior Criminal Lawyer to help establish and grow our Wodonga-based office — strengthening access to justice for communities across north-east Victoria.

This is an opportunity to take on meaningful, community-connected work in a beautiful regional setting, while shaping the future of legal service delivery in a rapidly growing area.

We're recruiting for a senior criminal lawyer, at either Work Value Range 4.1 or 4.2 (depending on skills and experience) through a single, integrated process. Apply once to be considered for the level that best aligns with your experience and strengths.

What you'll do

As a Senior Lawyer (4.1) (Salary range: $101,869 - $118,844), you will:

• Deliver high-quality legal services in criminal law, family violence and intervention order matters
• Supervise and mentor junior lawyers and contribute to team capability
• Appear in complex matters in the Magistrates' Court and Children's Court
• Build strong relationships with local courts, agencies, and community partners

As an Expert Senior Lawyer (4.2) (salary range: $110,357 - $127,333), you'll do all the above plus:

• Provide technical leadership and advanced advocacy in complex criminal and family violence matters
• Supervise and support other senior lawyers across the region
• Lead strategic legal initiatives and contribute to practice development and systemic advocacy

Your level will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. If you're unsure which level to apply for, just apply!

Who we're looking for

We're seeking Senior Lawyers who are:

• Technically strong in criminal law (and ideally, family violence and intervention order matters)
• Experienced advocates who exercise sound judgment and demonstrate compassion and cultural awareness
• Collaborative and capable of coaching others in a supportive team environment
• Values-driven and committed to improving access to justice in regional Victoria

We encourage applications from:

• First Nations people
• Lawyers with strong connection to the Ovens-Murray region and its communities
• People who reflect the diversity of the clients and communities we serve

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 relocate to Albury/Wodonga?
Albury and Wodonga are vibrant twin cities on the Murray River, at the heart of the Riverina region. Just three hours from Melbourne and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, the region offers an enviable lifestyle with affordable housing, quality schools, cultural and sporting opportunities, and easy access to snowfields, wine country and national parks. This role is not only a chance to take on a career-defining leadership project – it's also an opportunity to enjoy a thriving community and an outstanding work–life balance.

About Victoria Legal Aid  
We provide legal representation to those who need it most. With over 1500 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.  

Our employee benefits include:

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements in a supportive team  

• Hybrid work from home & office model  

• Generous leave provisions, including three days' paid seasonal leave between Boxing Day and New Years' Day public holidays, 

• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing  

• Supportive team environment in modern offices  

• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance and subsidised eyewear 

Why join us?

• Career growth: Be part of a new and expanding regional team with scope to grow your leadership and technical expertise.
• Impactful work: Support clients facing complex challenges while contributing to lasting, systemic improvements in access to justice.
• Regional lifestyle: Live and work in the vibrant Albury–Wodonga area — a thriving regional hub surrounded by rivers, mountains, and a strong community spirit.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a brief cover letter setting out why you'd be a great Senior Lawyer in VLA's Wodonga office.  

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 descriptions or contact Erica Molyneaux, Regional Manager on (03) 5823 6200 or erica.molyneaux@vla.vic.gov.au.