Location: Preston, Victoria Employment Type: Full Time | Fixed Term Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) Salary: $110,000 - 120,000 + Super + Salary Packaging About VALS The Victorian 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, VALS provides culturally safe legal advice and representation across criminal, family, civil, and human rights law, youth justice and specialist litigation. We also deliver community education, advocacy, and wraparound social supports through our Client Service Officers and 24/7 Custody Notification Service. About the Role The Managing Lawyer – Criminal Law plays a key leadership and practice management role within our Criminal Law team. Working alongside the Principal Managing Lawyer, you will oversee the delivery of a high-quality, culturally safe legal service to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients across Victoria. You will provide expert legal representation and advocacy in criminal law matters while supporting and developing a team of solicitors and paralegals. This role offers the opportunity to drive systemic change, influence law reform and contribute to reducing the overrepresentation of Aboriginal people in the criminal justice system. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day operations of the Criminal Law team, including court rosters, file allocation and workflow Supervise, mentor and develop solicitors and paralegals, including performance and career development Provide high-level criminal law advice, casework and advocacy, including indictable matters Appear in the Children’s Court (Criminal Division), Magistrates’ Court, County Court and Koori Courts Support and participate in the after-hours criminal solicitor service Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across courts, prosecution, community organisations and justice partners Contribute to law reform, policy advocacy and community legal education Ensure compliance with legislation, VALS policies and legal practice standards Travel within Victoria as required About You To be successful in this role, you will have: Advanced post-admission experience in criminal law, including advocacy in complex matters Accredited Criminal Law Specialist (Law Institute of Victoria) Demonstrated understanding of the issues impacting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the justice system Proven experience managing legal teams, supervising staff, and supporting professional development Strong ability to provide strategic legal advice and manage complex caseloads Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills Current Victorian Driver Licence Employee Working with Children Check and National Police Check What We Offer 17.5% Annual Leave Loading 5 extra days paid leave per year (on top of standard 20 days annual leave) Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 Additional salary packaging benefits for meals
Managing Lawyer, Criminal Law
