Senior Lawyer, Appeals and Strategic Litigation

About this role

• 1x full time ongoing position
• 1x full time maximum term position to June 2027 (parental leave cover)
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role
Victoria Legal Aid (VLA) is seeking two dedicated Senior Lawyers to join the Appeals and Strategic Litigation team. This is a small, supportive and collaborative team of senior lawyers, with a dedicated practice of advice and casework in a diverse and interesting range of criminal appeals and public interest strategic litigation.

You will provide high quality legal advice to criminal law practice partners and other stakeholders regarding potential appeals and reviews in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court of Australia. You will have conduct of matters, prepare written cases and appear as an advocate as appropriate. You will also supervise and mentor legal staff conducting case work in higher court appeals.

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

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• an ability to conduct complex appeals, judicial reviews, and advocacy in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court
• an ability to analyse complex cases, assess merit for higher court appeals, and develop strategic litigation initiatives
• an ability to supervise, mentor, and train junior lawyers, fostering a supportive and collaborative team environment
• high-level oral and written advocacy skills, with the ability to influence funding decisions and develop clear, strategic advice
• a current Australian practising certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we strongly encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate.

About VLA
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 is 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 detailing your interest in the role and addressing specific key selection criteria:

1. Substantial knowledge or practical experience in conducting appellate, judicial review or criminal proceedings in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal or High Court, including advocacy experience and the preparation of complex litigation.
2. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound forensic judgement and skill in case strategy and case analysis to guide complex cases.
3. Strong written and oral advocacy skills, including the ability to provide informed written advice to VLA on funding decisions for the Court of Appeal and High Court.

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 Angelique Renieris, Managing Lawyer on (03) 9269 0144 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 24 February 2026.

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.