Senior Lawyer – Criminal Law

Location: Preston, VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $101,410.40 – $105,905.80+ Super + Salary Packaging

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.

About the Role:

Senior Criminal Lawyers 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 a senior advocate in various courts including the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court, County Court and Koori Courts to represent VALS clients in criminal matters.
• Appear in the Bail and Remand Court on weeknights and weekends (including nights) on a rostered basis.
• Deliver a quality legal service by conducting casework in criminal law matters, including serious indictable matters, for members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
• Travel across Victoria to deliver services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Some travel may occur outside usual business hours and on weekends. Use of a VALS vehicle is available and a driver’s licence is required.
• 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, including duty lawyer shifts on a rotating seven-day roster (evenings, weekends and public holidays).
• Supervise and mentor staff working in the area of criminal law and contribute to the organisation in professional legal education and training.
• Possibility to act in the Managing Lawyer or Principal Managing Lawyer position in a higher duties capacity if required.
• Participate in community legal education projects, law reform and other VALS projects as required.
• 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 incidental and peripheral to the main tasks, reasonably within the employee’s skills, competence and training.

Key Selection Criteria

• At least 3+ years’ experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and train less experienced lawyers and contribute to the development of their knowledge and skills.
• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including young people.
• Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a cooperative and supportive team environment.
• Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS’ client database.

Mandatory Requirements

• The successful applicant must be able to provide or be willing to obtain: Admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, with an unsupervised practising certificate.
• Current Employee Working with Children Check
• National Criminal History Police Check
• Proof of Australian work rights (e.g. passport, birth certificate, or visa)

Why Join VALS?

• We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:
• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 35 hours per week
• Access to company vehicles for work-related travel
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

• A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role
• A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (please note applications without this will not be considered)
• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

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.

Please note: We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.