Lawyer, Indictable Crime

About this role

• Full time ongoing position
• Salary range: $90,871 - $104,924 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role
In this role you will be required to appear as an advocate by providing legal services including duty lawyer services, casework and advice services as a criminal lawyer in indictable criminal matters.

You will also be required to complete casework and provide advocacy, legal information and advice services to persons charged with indictable crime offences.

You will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to obtain clear instructions, and explain complex legal matters in simple terms. This role presents an exciting opportunity to engage in interesting and at times complex work aimed at improving community access to legal aid services.

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

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Sound knowledge and experience as a legal practitioner with a thorough understanding of the criminal law jurisdiction and court procedures.
• Proven ability to deliver high volume client services, handle busy court lists and appropriately support our clients, particularly those who have experienced violence or trauma.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to obtain clear instructions, and explain complex legal matters in simple terms.
• 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'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.

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 Nakita Barba, Deputy Managing Lawyer, Indictable Crime on (03) 9269 0588 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 14 April 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.