Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide culturally safe legal services and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.
- Company: Join the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service, a leader in community-controlled legal support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health advocacy and support Indigenous rights.
- Qualifications: Law degree with experience in mental health law and commitment to cultural safety.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with strong community connections and career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Preston, VIC
Employment Type: Full‑time, 12‑month fixed term
Salary: $87,305.40 -$101,410.40 (based on experience) + Super + Salary Packaging Flexibility: 2 days WFH
Overview
The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) is looking for a passionate Mental Health Lawyer or Senior Mental Health Lawyer to join our Civil Law & Human Rights Practice. This is a unique opportunity to provide culturally safe, trauma‑informed legal services and to advocate for the rights and autonomy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients navigating the mental health system. This 12‑month role supports the Mental Health Practice during a period of parental leave coverage as a career development opportunity within a supportive, specialist team.
VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal services across criminal, family, civil, human rights and specialty practice areas. For over 50 years we have worked to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive fair, accessible, and culturally respectful support within Victoria’s legal systems.
The Mental Health Practice sits within our Civil & Human Rights team and forms part of the state‑wide Mental Health Legal Rights Service, co‑designed with people with lived experience and delivered in partnership with Victoria Legal Aid and the Mental Health Legal Centre.
What You'll Do
- Representing clients at the Mental Health Tribunal
- Running rehearings at VCAT from MHT decisions
- Managing mental health discrimination and complaint matters
- Providing wrap‑around civil law assistance in collaboration with the broader Civil Law & Human Rights Practice
- Building strong relationships with community, health services and sector partners
- (For Senior Lawyers) Leading complex matters and providing strategic advice across VALS teams; potential carriage of coronial inquests involving mental health treatment
What We're Looking for
Lawyer- Victorian Practising Certificate (or ability to obtain one promptly)
- Post‑admission experience, ideally including MHT or civil law casework
- Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients (or strong commitment to developing this capability)
- Unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate
- 4+ years post‑admission experience in civil law matters, including MHT representation
- Ability to supervise, provide strategic advice and manage complex matters
- Strong understanding of the legal issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Expertise in working with clients experiencing acute or complex mental health concerns
- Highly developed communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to deliver trauma‑informed, culturally safe legal services
Mandatory Checks
- Employee Working with Children Check
- Victorian Driver Licence
- National Criminal History Check
- Australian working rights
Why Join VALS?
- Work in a values‑driven, culturally strong organisation
- Be part of a practice designed and guided by lived experience voices
- Support clients through impactful, rights‑based advocacy
- Collaborative, supportive team with SEWB and paralegal support
- Opportunity to contribute to law reform, community legal education, and sector partnerships
Ready to Apply?
If you're committed to cultural safety, social justice and advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, we'd love to hear from you. Apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and suitability.
Mental Health Lawyer / Senior Mental Health Lawyer in Preston employer: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Contact Detail:
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mental Health Lawyer / Senior Mental Health Lawyer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to mental health law. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your commitment to cultural safety and social justice. Share your experiences and how they align with VALS's mission – it’ll set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching VALS and its work in the community. Understand their approach to trauma-informed legal services and think about how your skills can contribute. Tailor your responses to reflect their values and needs.
✨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 our team and contributing to the important work we do at VALS.
We think you need these skills to ace Mental Health Lawyer / Senior Mental Health Lawyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for mental health law and advocacy shine through. We want to see your commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients, so share any relevant experiences or motivations that drive you.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with mental health law, especially any work with the Mental Health Tribunal or similar areas. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do at VALS!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Keep it brief but impactful—explain your interest in the position and how your skills can contribute to our mission of providing culturally safe legal services.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the legal issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Brush up on mental health law, especially around the Mental Health Tribunal and VCAT processes. This knowledge will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your genuine interest in providing culturally safe and trauma-informed legal services. Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your dedication to social justice and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights. This will resonate with the values of the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex cases and work collaboratively with clients experiencing mental health challenges. Think of specific examples from your past work where you successfully navigated similar situations, as this will demonstrate your practical skills.
✨Engage with the Team
Research VALS and its mission before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and collaborate with the Civil Law & Human Rights Practice. Showing that you understand their culture and values will help you stand out as a candidate who fits right in.
