At a Glance
- Tasks: Advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in criminal law matters.
- Company: Join Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service, a leader in community-controlled legal support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, salary packaging, professional development, and a supportive workplace.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Victoria and opportunities for ongoing work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the justice system and empower communities.
- Qualifications: Must be an admitted Australian Legal Practitioner with criminal law experience.
The predicted salary is between 87305 - 87305 £ per year.
Make a real difference in the justice system. Join Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and use your legal skills to advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Victoria. As a Lawyer in our Criminal Law Practice, you will provide culturally safe, high-quality legal representation, advice, and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients facing criminal law matters. This is an opportunity to work in a purpose‑driven organization committed to justice, self‑determination, and community empowerment. You will work alongside a dedicated multidisciplinary team of lawyers, client service officers, and support staff to deliver meaningful legal outcomes and strengthen community trust in the justice system.
Job Details
- Full‑Time, 12‑month Fixed‑Term (strong potential for ongoing)
- $87,305.40 + Super + Salary Packaging
- Preston, VIC
- Travel across Victoria required
About Us
Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service is Victoria's only specialist Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing legal and support services exclusively for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Since 1973, VALS has been delivering culturally safe legal representation and holistic support across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. Our work extends beyond legal services, including a 24/7 custody notification service, family violence support, transitional housing, and community legal education.
About the Role
- Appear as an advocate in criminal law matters across the Children's Court, Magistrates' Court, County Court and Koori Courts
- Provide legal advice, representation and casework to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients
- Deliver duty lawyer services and remand court appearances
- Participate in after‑hours and weekend court rosters, including Bail and Remand Court
- Participate in the after‑hours on‑call legal advice roster (Night Phone)
- Build strong working relationships with courts, Victoria Legal Aid and community stakeholders
- Support community legal education and law reform initiatives
- Travel across Victoria to deliver services to community
About You
- Admission, or eligibility for admission, as an Australian Legal Practitioner in Victoria
- Experience or strong capability in criminal law advocacy, advice and casework
- Sound knowledge of criminal law and court processes
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with clients and community
- A genuine commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice outcomes
- The ability to work collaboratively in a team‑based environment
- Strong professional judgment, accountability and emotional intelligence
- Confidence using Microsoft Office and case management systems
Mandatory Requirements
- Current Employee Working With Children Check
- Valid Victorian Driver Licence
- National Criminal History Check
- Full Australian work rights
Why Join VALS?
At VALS, your work directly contributes to better justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Salary packaging benefits to increase your take‑home pay
- Professional development and ongoing learning opportunities
- Supportive and culturally grounded workplace
- Meaningful work with community impact
- Opportunity to build advocacy experience across multiple jurisdictions
Applications will be assessed as received, so early applications are encouraged.
Criminal Law Lawyer - Indigenous Advocate (Victoria) in Preston employer: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Join Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) and be part of a purpose-driven organisation that champions justice and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. With a supportive and culturally grounded workplace, VALS offers meaningful work that directly impacts the community, alongside professional development opportunities and salary packaging benefits to enhance your take-home pay. As a Criminal Law Lawyer, you will collaborate with a dedicated team to deliver high-quality legal representation and advocacy, making a real difference in the justice system across Victoria.
Contact Details:
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Criminal Law Lawyer - Indigenous Advocate (Victoria) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your genuine commitment to Aboriginal justice outcomes. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your dedication to making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your criminal law knowledge and understanding the specific challenges faced by Aboriginal communities. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and cultural awareness during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining VALS and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Criminal Law Lawyer - Indigenous Advocate (Victoria) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the community and how your values align with ours at VALS.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in criminal law advocacy and casework. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they can benefit our clients. Don’t just list your qualifications; show us how you’ve used them!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your personal journey and what led you to apply for this role. This helps us understand who you are beyond your CV and how you might fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this meaningful role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of criminal law, especially as it pertains to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and recent cases that might come up during the interview. This shows your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference, so be ready to share why you’re passionate about advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice outcomes. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your dedication to community empowerment and cultural safety.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use your strong interpersonal skills to engage them in conversation. Ask thoughtful questions about their work and the team dynamics at VALS, showing that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in being part of their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and advocacy skills. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in this role and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically and act decisively in high-pressure situations.
