Senior Advocate, Youth Crime

About this role

• 2x full time ongoing positions
• Salary range: $113,668 - $131,153 plus super
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging, flexible hybrid work arrangement

About the role
As part of the Criminal Law Program, the Youth Crime team provides specialist advice and representation to children and young people charged with criminal offences appearing in the Children's Court, higher Courts and in related proceedings..

This role involves specialist legal knowledge in youth crime.  You will act as an advocate, primarily in complex youth crime proceedings in the Children's Court and higher Courts. You will also conduct case work, appear as duty lawyer in the Children's Court and perform other rostered duties.

You will also build strong and dynamic stakeholder partnerships and deliver training to drive responsive legal services and high-quality outcomes for children and young people in the criminal justice system. .

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

About you
As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Demonstrated capacity to act as an advocate in complex youth crime matters.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and practical experience in the application of the Children, Youth & Families Act 2005, criminal law and procedure, the law of evidence and other relevant legislation.
• A passion for advocating for youth clients with the ability to develop strong relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to mentor and train staff and contribute to their development.
• Hold 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 brief 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 Libby O'Dea or Barbara Tindall, Managing Lawyers, Youth Crime on (03) 9269 0108 or recruitment@vla.vic.gov.au.

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Sunday 26^th 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.