Senior Civil Lawyer

• Full time or part time ongoing position
• Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 (pro rata) plus super plus salary packaging
• Up to $15,900 in salary packaging and hybrid WFH & office model

About the role

You will act as an advocate by providing high quality legal services, managing complex civil law case work and advocating in areas that affect people's rights.

A key focus for this role will be mental health and disability law and providing high quality legal services in the Mental Health Tribunal. Other areas of work may include tenancy, social security, National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and fines. You will also participate in community legal education and develop collaborative relationships between VLA and local stakeholders.

Our Senior Lawyers also provide legal mentoring and training and actively contribute to the professional growth of junior lawyers. This presents an excellent opportunity for legal professionals who aspire to make a meaningful contribution to the community, join a collaborative team and gain exposure to interesting and diverse work.

This role is based at our Dandenong office on Bunurong Country.

About you

As our ideal candidate, you will possess:

• Substantial knowledge or practical experience in civil law and relevant court and tribunal procedures with the capacity to work as an advocate and caseworker, particularly in the Mental Health Tribunal
• Ability to provide strategic advice on legal and policy issues and positively engage with key partner agencies to appropriately manage referrals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others and communicate with a diverse stakeholder group.
• Strong interest and capability in providing mentorship and guidance to junior team members in enhancing their skills and knowledge in civil law.
• A current Australian practicing certificate which entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).

Don't meet every requirement? At VLA, we understand that your work and life experiences can be just as valuable. If you're excited about this role but your CV doesn't align perfectly with our job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or one of our many other opportunities.

About Victoria Legal Aid

We offer legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those who need it most. With over 1400 staff employed in 16 offices across Victoria, we help people with their legal problems by providing information, advice and education with a focus on the prevention and early resolution of legal problems.

Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and foster a work culture that's inclusive as well as diverse. Your unique ideas and perspectives are valued so that we best represent the people we serve.

Employee benefits

• Focus on work-life balance including flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid work from home & office model
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Excellent salary packaging options including General Expenses up to $15,900, Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650 and Novated Leasing
• Access to discounted Private Health Insurance

How to apply

To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria.

If you require adjustments to the recruitment and selection process or need an alternative format to any of the application material, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team.

For further information, please review the attached position description or contact Barbara Tindall, Regional Manager on or

No agency applications will be accepted.

Applications close by 11.59pm on Tuesday 14 October 2025.

Other relevant information

It is a requirement that staff attend for office-based days at their primary work location. In line with this requirement, interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is able and willing to relocate to Victoria, unless part of a border community.

VLA is committed to putting the safety and wellbeing of children first.

Job Reference:

VG/VLA/RSD/1885787

Location:

Melbourne - Southern Metro

Work Type:

Ongoing - full time or part time

Job Function:

Legal

Classification:

WVR LO4B

Salary Range:

$110,357 - $127,333

Job Duration:

Ongoing

Date posted:

30-Sep-2025

Application Close Date:

14-Oct-2025