Associate In-House Counsel Family and Children's Law, VLA Chambers: Regional and Melbourne roles

About this role

• 3 x Full time, Fixed Term positions (up to two years)
• Salary based on experience, range: VLA4.1-4.2 $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Attractive employee benefits including salary packaging up to $15,900

About the role

The role of Associate In-House Counsel, Family and Children's Law is responsible for:

•           High-quality, specialist advocacy for legally aided clients, with a primary focus on family law matters. Advocates will also appear in family violence and child protection proceedings.

•           The support and promotion of proactive and responsive legal services and high quality outcomes for children and families in the areas of family law, child protection and family violence. 

Two of the positions will be regionally based:

• One in the north region serving VLA's Wodonga, Shepparton and Bendigo offices and will be based in one of those offices.
• One in the south-west region serving Ballarat, Horsham, Geelong and Warrnambool offices, based in one of those offices.

The remaining vacancy is be based in Melbourne CBD.

The successful applicants will be required to independently travel to VLA's offices, courts, tribunals and outreach services throughout the respective regions.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess: 

• Demonstrated ability to act as a Family and Children's Law advocate in complex matters up to and including final hearings, family violence intervention order hearings and child protection hearings.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in the law and relevant court and tribunal procedures with a focus on the family law and family violence jurisdictions. Knowledge or practical experience in the law and court procedures in child protection is desirable.
• Knowledge of the issues experienced by families involved with the federal and state court systems, particularly challenges faced by First Nations peoples, children and young people, people living with a disability, people who live regionally and people from a cultural or linguistically diverse background. 
• Ability to provide advice, both oral and written on legal and policy issues within limited time constraints.
• High level interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with clients who have complex needs, as well as staff, external stakeholders and other organisations.
• Ability to mentor and train staff in advocacy skills and contribute to their development.
• Demonstrated ability to make quick, accurate decisions, work independently to meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively to foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural norms, communication styles and complex issues experienced by Australian First Nations peoples.
• A knowledge of the general business of VLA and a commitment to our vision and values. 

About Victoria Legal Aid

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy 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

• A focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model 
• Generous leave benefits, including:
  • Three days paid seasonal leave (to be taken between Boxing Day and New Year's Day public holidays)
  • Paid gender affirmation leave
  • Five days both paid reproductive and fertility leave per calendar year
  • Annual 3% salary increase each December plus performance-related salary incentives
  • Attractive salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 PLUS Novated Leasing
  • Discounted annual Myki public transport passes 
  • Individual learning and professional development opportunities, tailored to your role and career goals
  • Free annual flu vaccinations
  • Access to gym and end-of-trip facilities at our CBD office
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program, including confidential counselling and access to a range of mental health and wellbeing resources.

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria and specify for which role(s) you are applying.

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. For additional details please contact Eric Myles, Senior In-House Counsel Family and Children on 03 9269 0406 or for general queries: recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au. 

No agency applications will be accepted. 

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 3 March. 

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.