Child Protection/Criminal Solicitor

2 days ago


Melbourne VIC, Australia Orenstein Lawyers Full time $80,000 - $110,000 per year

Orenstein Lawyers is a client‑focused specialist firm grounded in the values of Respect, Compassion, Integrity, and Access to justice. We are recognised for our depth of expertise and fearless, compassionate advocacy in the Children's Court of Victoria.

The opportunity

  • We have two positions available in either our Geelong or Melbourne offices.
  • You will run a varied litigation practice with meaningful advocacy. Our firm also has a large criminal law practice and there are opportunities to work in this area.
  • We are a collaborative small team with flexible work options.

What you'll do

  • Advocate at mentions, directions hearings, readiness hearings and contests.
  • Prepare submissions and negotiate outcomes
  • Take instructions, provide clear advice and manage a busy case load
  • Liaise with prosecuting agencies, other lawyers and support services to progress matters
  • Apply trauma‑informed, culturally safe, child‑centred practice.

About you

  • Admitted to practice in Victoria with a current practising certificate
  • Demonstrated advocacy experience in the Children's Court or related jurisdictions
  • Strong drafting, organisation and communication skills
  • Able to work respectfully with vulnerable and diverse clients
  • Committed to our values and to high professional standards
  • VLA Child Protection and/or Family Violence panel experience or eligibility preferred
  • Experience briefing and instructing counsel in contested matters preferred

Location and work pattern

  • Geelong and/or Metropolitan Melbourne, with appearances across regional courts as required
  • Full‑time preferred. Part‑time considered

Salary and benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Flexible work options and supportive team culture
  • Regular court advocacy and ongoing CPD

How to apply

  • Email your cover letter addressing the criteria and your CV to
  • Enquiries can also be directed to a Principal Solicitor Janelle Cooper

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $80,000.00 – $110,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person



  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Full time $79,122 - $88,251 per year

    Beginning Child Protection PractitionersIf you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical skills.You will be working in collaboration with families, Community Sector...


  • Melbourne, Australia Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Full time

    THE ROLE The Solicitor role in the Statewide Child Protection Litigation Office (CPLO) is responsible for providing legal advice, support and representation in child protection litigation matters in various courts including the Children's Court of Victoria, the Supreme Court of Victoria, and related jurisdictions. You will work predominantly with one of...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Full time $97,955 - $111,142 per year

    Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families?The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing are seeking dedicated Child Protection Practitioner's at an Advanced (CPP4) level to join our Casual After-Hours team.Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical...

  • Solicitor

    2 days ago


    Melbourne City Centre, Australia Environment Protection Authority Full time

    Solicitor, Civil Litigation & Advice - $91,418 to $103,725 salary range - Hybrid working options - 200 Victoria Street Carlton About the organisation As Victoria's environment regulator, we set and implement environmental standards to help ensure all Victorians can enjoy clean air, healthy waterways and pollutant-free land. **Benefits of working with the...

  • Solicitor (Vpsg4)

    2 days ago


    Melbourne, Australia Environment Protection Authority Full time

    Location: Melbourne | CBD Job type: Full time Organisation: Environment Protection Authority **Salary**: $90,067 - $102,192 Occupation: Legal Reference: VG/EPA/LEGAL/1702468 As Victoria's environmental regulator, we set and enforce environmental standards to help ensure all Victorians can enjoy clean air, healthy waterways and pollutant-free land. To...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Full time $79,000 - $82,500 per year

    Beginning Child Protection Practitioners - CPP3If you are passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children, then a career in child protection is for you. Child protection work is interesting, challenging, busy and fulfilling and involves therapeutic and analytical skills.You will be working in collaboration with families, Community...


  • Melbourne, Australia Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Full time

    Location: Melbourne | CBD Job type: Full time Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing **Salary**: $91,481 - $103,725 Occupation: Legal Reference: VG/DFFH/CDS/375255 The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued life. Our areas...


  • Melbourne, Victoria, Australia DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Full time $62,742 - $77,430 per year

    Case Practice Support Worker (CPP2) vacancies within RingwoodCase Practice Support Practitioners (CPP2) are integral to child protection and involves case support tasks, such as facilitating contact visits, transporting children to services and other case support duties such as:observing and assessing the interactions between children and family...


  • Melbourne, Australia Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Full time

    Location: Melbourne | Western Metropolitan Job type: Full time Organisation: Department of Families, Fairness and Housing **Salary**: $73,842 - $89,661 Occupation: Legal Reference: VG/DFFH/CDS/595571 The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) works hard to create equal opportunities for all Victorians to live a safe, respected and valued...


  • Melbourne, Australia DFFH Child Protection Practitioner Full time

    **Case Practice Support Worker (CPP2) vacancies** **within Ringwood** Case Practice Support Practitioners (CPP2) are integral to child protection and involves case support tasks, such as facilitating contact visits, transporting children to services and other case support duties such as: - observing and assessing the interactions between children and...