Lawyer (Youth Crime)

Location: Preston, VIC Employment Type: Full-Time | Ongoing Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) Salary: $87,305 – $93,305 + Super + Salary Packaging

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.

Balit Ngulu (meaning "Strong Voice" in the Woi Wurrung language) is a specialised youth program within the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS). The program was established to ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and young people have access to culturally safe, holistic, and specialised legal assistance.

Balit Ngulu provides legal advice and representation primarily in the area of criminal law, supporting young people who come into contact with the criminal legal system. The program operates across Melbourne and Greater Shepparton, working to reduce the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth in the legal system.

In addition to legal support, Balit Ngulu provides wrap-around case management and advocacy through its Balit Ngulu Aboriginal Community Engagement (ACE) Worker, ensuring that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander young people receive holistic and culturally safe care that is responsive to their cultural, social, and developmental needs.

The program is grounded in the principles of self-determination, cultural safety, early intervention, and community empowerment, and is a key part of VALS' broader commitment to justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

As a Lawyer (Youth Crime), you will deliver high-quality, culturally safe legal services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people facing criminal charges in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Courts, and Magistrates' Court.

Working within the Balit Ngulu (Youth Crime) team, you'll provide legal representation, advocacy, and casework that supports diversion and positive outcomes for young clients. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to social justice, community empowerment, and systemic change within a culturally safe environment.

• Provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people in relevant courts and tribunals under supervision of the Principal Managing Lawyer.
• Contribute to community legal education, law reform, and youth justice projects that support diversion, empowerment and culturally safe outcomes.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with courts, Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Bar, Youth Justice agencies, and community organisations.
• Stay current with legal developments, procedures, and issues impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to deliver holistic, client-centred legal services.
• Travel within metropolitan Melbourne and occasionally regionally as required.

• Admitted to practice as a legal practitioner in Victoria (or eligible for admission).
• 12–18 months post-admission experience in criminal law and/or youth crime is highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of youth justice systems and procedures.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Cultural competency and ability to work effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Basic competency in MS Office and capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS' client database.
• Current Employee Working with Children Check, National Police Check, and Victorian Driver's Licence.

• 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
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate, culturally committed team
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace environment

To apply, please provide:

• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application the subject line: 'Application for Lawyer (Youth Crime) at VALS'

VALS actively encourages and supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. This designated position provides a culturally safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where your knowledge and lived experience are highly valued.

Please note:We do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies. No fees will be paid to agencies submitting candidates without a valid written agreement.