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- Tasks: Lead legal advocacy for Aboriginal youth, mentor junior lawyers, and drive systemic change.
- Company: Join VALS, a community-focused organisation dedicated to cultural safety and empowerment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, salary packaging, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of Aboriginal young people through meaningful legal work.
- Qualifications: 3+ years legal experience, strong youth law knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a culturally rich and diverse workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full-time, 12-month fixed-term role with strong potential to become ongoing. Salary: $101,410.40 + super, salary packaging. Location: Preston, VIC. 5 days onsite.
About VALS
VALS is a long-standing Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal and support services across Victoria. Our services include criminal, family, civil, youth justice and human rights law, alongside community programs such as:
- 24/7 Custody Notification Service
- Transitional housing and family violence programs
- Client support and community legal education
We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQSB+ communities, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
About Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)
Balit Ngulu, meaning Strong Voice, is VALS’ specialist youth legal service supporting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people involved in the criminal legal system. Operating across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, the program provides:
- Holistic, culturally informed legal representation
- Wrap-around case management through Aboriginal Community Engagement Workers
Our approach prioritises early intervention, self-determination, and community empowerment.
About the Role
As Senior Lawyer, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe criminal law services for young people appearing before:
- Children’s Court (Criminal Division)
- Koori Courts
- Magistrates’ Court and higher jurisdictions
Key Responsibilities
- Act as senior advocate in complex youth criminal matters
- Mentor and supervise junior lawyers
- Contribute to case planning, community legal education, and law reform initiatives
- Support diversion-focused and early intervention strategies
- Build strong relationships with ACCOs, Victoria Legal Aid, Youth Justice, and the Victorian Bar
- Help shape positive outcomes for young clients and contribute to systemic change
About You
You are a committed advocate for young people with a strong grounding in culturally safe practice. You will bring:
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience as a legal practitioner, including advocacy involving children and young people
- Strong knowledge of youth criminal law and court processes
- Experience mentoring or supervising junior practitioners
- Understanding of youth justice issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Excellent communication skills and ability to engage respectfully with young people and community
- Competency in MS Office and willingness to learn VALS’ client database
Mandatory Requirements
You must hold (or be able to obtain):
- Victorian practising certificate (unsupervised)
- Employee Working with Children Check
- National Criminal History Check
- Current Victorian Driver Licence
- Australian working rights
Why Join VALS?
- Work in an organisation grounded in culture, community and self-determination
- Make a tangible difference in the lives of Aboriginal young people
- Engage in meaningful legal advocacy and systemic reform
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Ongoing opportunities for training, development and growth
- Salary packaging to maximise take-home pay
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are committed to justice, cultural safety, and empowering young people, we encourage you to apply.
Senior Lawyer (Youth Crime) 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 Senior Lawyer (Youth Crime) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the legal field, especially those connected to youth justice. Attend events, join forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – it’s all about making those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VALS and their approach to youth justice. Understand their values and how they support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your advocacy skills! Mock interviews can help you articulate your experience and passion for youth law. Get a friend or mentor to throw some tough questions your way, so you’re ready to shine when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Lawyer (Youth Crime) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Lawyer role. Highlight your experience with youth criminal law and any relevant community engagement work you've done.
Showcase Your Advocacy Skills: In your written application, emphasise your advocacy experience, especially in complex youth criminal matters. We want to see how you've made a difference in the lives of young people through your legal work.
Demonstrate Cultural Competence: Since VALS is all about culturally safe practices, be sure to include examples of how you've engaged with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This will show us that you understand the importance of cultural context in legal matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to make a real impact.
How to prepare for a job interview at Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on youth criminal law and the specific issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Familiarise yourself with VALS' approach to culturally safe practice and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of your past advocacy work, especially involving young people. Highlight any complex cases you've handled and how you’ve contributed to positive outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability as a senior advocate.
✨Engage with Cultural Sensitivity
Since VALS prioritises cultural safety, think about how you can convey your understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with young clients and community members in a respectful manner.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about VALS’ initiatives, particularly around youth justice and community engagement. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to their goals.
