Lawyer – Criminal Law in Preston

Location: Preston, VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $87,305 – $93,305+ Super + Salary Packaging

About VALS

Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) and the state’s only specialist legal and support service dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Established in 1973, we provide culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth justice, and specialist litigation. Our broader supports include a 24/7 Custody Notification Service, transitional housing for women exiting custody, family violence programs, one‑to‑one client support, and community legal education.

We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds, LGBTISBQ communities, and diverse cultures are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome requests for adjustments throughout recruitment and employment to ensure accessibility and support.

About the Role

Criminal Lawyers are to provide high quality legal services, including duty lawyer services, representation, advice and information in criminal law matters to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria. You will be operating as part of an integrated and diverse team that includes junior lawyers, senior lawyers, administration staff and client service officers.

Key Responsibilities

• Appear as an advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts in order to represent clients of VALS in criminal matters.
• Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Appear in the Bail and Remand Court on weeknights and weekends (including nights) on a rostered basis.
• Participate in the on call after hours roster (“Night phone”) and provide emergency advice to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community in Victoria.
• Appear for clients at remand Court. At times this will require duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day (including evenings, weekends and public holidays) roster.
• Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.
• Participate in regular team meetings.
• Contribute to the collaborative relationship between Victoria Legal Aid and other community organisations with whom VALS interacts.
• Keep up to date with relevant legal developments and procedures by attending professional legal education programs and maintain an understanding of issues impacting the justice system and members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• As directed, undertake other duties which are incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, provided that such duties are reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.
• Travel across Victoria to deliver services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Sometimes this travel will occur outside of usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available for this travel and a driver’s licence is required.

About You

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria.
• Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver legal advice and casework on behalf of VALS clients.
• Knowledge of and practical experience in the law and court procedures with a focus on the criminal law jurisdiction.
• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• A commitment to and understanding of the legal issues faced by members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Victoria.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment.
• A knowledge of the principles and values of the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service.
• Basic competency in the use of Office 365 software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS client database.
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence and shows respect to colleagues and other stakeholders always.
• Supports and contributes to a cohesive team and organisation culture.
• Understands and complies with legal professional obligations.
• Meets client and stakeholder expectations in a timely, reliable and consistent manner ensures that others meet expectations.
• Possesses a strong grasp of relevant legal issues but consults with internal or external experts where appropriate.
• Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and acknowledge their diverse backgrounds, personalities and varying needs and the unique cultural ways in which they may need be expressed.

Required Qualifications

• Must have a practicing certificate/be able to obtain a PC in Victoria.
• A current Employee Working with Children Check card.
• A valid Victorian Driver’s license.
• A National Criminal History Check.
• Proof of work rights in Australia, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, or valid visa documentation.

What We Offer

• 17.5% Leave Loading.
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days.
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia.
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment.

How to Apply

To apply, please provide: Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees. Submit your application via the link here.

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.