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 & entertainment
Flexible and hybrid working options
Access to professional development and training
Work in a culturally safe and community-focused organisation
Meaningful work that supports self-determination and social justice
How to Apply
To apply, please provide:
A cover letter introducing yourself and why you’re interested in the role
A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria
Your current resume, including two referees
Email your application to jobs@vals.org.au using the subject line:
Application – Managing Lawyer (Criminal Law)
VALS strongly encourages Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We are committed to a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful workplace. We do not accept agency submissions.
About Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Preston, VIC, Australia
This company does not have any further information provided at this time. We encourage you to research the company by searching for them to learn more about the company or role in question before applying.
Looking for More Opportunities?
Explore more jobs with upfront salary details that respect your worth.
Senior Lawyer - Youth Crime
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
Preston, VIC
A$101,410.40-$105,905.80 p/a
Full-time
On-site
Junior Criminal Lawyer
Stary Norton Halphen - Criminal Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
A$68,000-$85,000 p/a
Full-time
On-site
Victorian Government Solicitor's Office
Melbourne, VIC
A$162,077-$185,518 p/a
Full-time
Hybrid
Victoria Legal Aid
Broadmeadows, VIC
A$101,869-$118,844 p/a
Full-time
Hybrid
Victoria Legal Aid
Shepparton, VIC
A$90,871-$101,868 p/a
Full-time
Hybrid
Victoria Legal Aid
Shepparton, VIC
A$110,357-$127,333 p/a
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Lawyer (Criminal Law and Family Violence)
Victoria Legal Aid
Wodonga, VIC
A$101,869-$118,844 p/a
Full-time
Hybrid
Experienced Criminal & Traffic Lawyer – Work From Home (Expansion Role)
#J-18808-Ljbffr