Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law - Family Violence Service)
Location: 273 High Street, Preston VIC 3072Employment Type: Full Time, 12-Month Fixed Term (potential to be ongoing)Salary: $120,000 + Super + Salary Packaging
This is a rare opportunity to establish and lead a newly created Family Violence Service at VALS. You will shape the service model, build a high‑performing team, and deliver culturally safe, multidisciplinary support to clients across Victoria.
If you’re a senior practitioner who wants influence, impact and the chance to build something meaningful then this role is for you.
About Victoria Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)
VALS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation providing culturally safe legal and support services across Victoria. Since 1973, we have delivered advocacy in criminal, civil, family and human rights law, alongside holistic programs including our 24/7 Custody Notification Service, family violence support, community legal education and culturally grounded client services.
About the Family Violence Service
Our new multidisciplinary model brings together lawyers, family violence practitioners, Aboriginal Community Engagement Workers, paralegals and support staff. The service integrates legal advocacy with social support, safety planning, cultural connection and holistic case coordination. The focus is on reducing misidentification, improving justice outcomes and ensuring clients receive safe, dignified and culturally secure support.
The Role
As Managing Lawyer, you will provide leadership, practice oversight and operational management of the Family Violence Legal Team. Your work will combine:
Service Leadership and Operations
Lead the establishment and ongoing development of the service
Oversee day‑to‑day operations, file allocation and court coverage
Ensure high‑quality, integrated multidisciplinary practice
People and Culture
Supervise and mentor lawyers and paralegals
Support professional development, wellbeing and performance
Foster a positive, inclusive and culturally safe team culture
Legal Practice
Provide expert legal representation in family violence and related criminal matters
Manage high‑risk and complex caseloads
Offer specialist guidance on misidentification and integrated responses
Sector Impact
Represent VALS in stakeholder forums and partnerships
Contribute to policy, law reform and service improvement initiatives
Deliver training and community legal education
Who We Are Looking For
Brings strong cultural humility and trauma‑informed practice
Has exceptional leadership presence and emotional intelligence
Thrives in complex, fast‑paced and high‑risk environments
Is motivated by service‑building and long‑term impact
Can balance compassion with accountability and high professional standards
Essential Criteria
Current unrestricted Victorian Practising Certificate and ability to hold a Principal Practising Certificate
Significant experience in family violence, criminal law or related practice areas involving Aboriginal clients
Demonstrated experience with complex matters, including misidentification
Strong understanding of culturally safe and trauma‑informed practice
Experience supervising staff within multidisciplinary service models
Proven service leadership and operational management capability
Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills
Why Join VALS
Lead a newly established specialist service
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
Real influence over service design and practice
Work within an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation
Integrated multidisciplinary model of care
Strong organisational support and professional development
Purpose‑driven work with long‑term community impact
Ready to lead change where it matters most?
Submit your Resume and Cover Letter and take the lead in building a culturally safe, specialist Family Violence Service that strengthens safety, reduces harm and improves justice outcomes.
We are committed to equity, inclusion and accessibility. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome people from diverse cultural backgrounds and LGBTIQA+ communities, and we actively support workplace adjustments throughout recruitment and employment.
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