Senior Lawyer

Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Location: Preston, VIC | Full-Time |

Salary: $101,410.40 – 105, Super + Salary Packaging

Application Closing Date: 2nd October 2025

About VALS

The Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS) has been advocating for and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people since 1973. Our holistic services span criminal, family, civil and human rights law, youth legal services, 24/7 custody notification, housing, family violence programs, and much more. At VALS, we are committed to self-determination, equality, diversity, and inclusion and we are always evolving to meet community needs.

About Balit Ngulu

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.

About the Role: Senior Lawyer – Balit Ngulu (Youth Justice)

The Senior Lawyer role leads the delivery of high-quality, culturally safe legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people facing criminal charges in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Courts, Magistrates Court and higher jurisdictions. The role includes senior advocacy, supervision and mentoring of junior lawyers, participation in case-planning, and contributing to community legal education, law reform, and diversion-focused initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver high-quality legal services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, including appearing as a senior advocate in the Children's Court (Criminal Division), Koori Courts, Magistrates' Court and other higher jurisdictions.
• Supervise, mentor, and support legal staff within the Balit Ngulu team, contributing to professional development, training, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Participate in and contribute to community legal education (CLE), law reform, and other VALS or Balit Ngulu projects, with a focus on early intervention, and culturally safe outcomes for young clients.
• Participate in case-planning meetings to ensure consistent oversight of criminal law casework and client outcomes.
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including Victoria Legal Aid, the Victorian Bar, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), Youth Justice and other legal firms and community organisations.
• Stay up to date with legal developments, procedures, and broader youth justice issues, particularly those affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, through continuous professional development.

Ad Hoc

• Perform other tasks as reasonably directed.
• Undertake regional or interstate travel as required.
• Assist with ad hoc documentation, reporting, or operational support.
• Provide support for events, meetings, or projects as requested.

Key Selection Criteria

• At least 3+ years experience as a legal practitioner, with demonstrated capability to work as an advocate and caseworker in complex matters involving children and young people.
• Substantial knowledge of, and practical experience in the law and criminal court procedures related to young people.
• Ability to supervise, mentor and train less experienced lawyers and contribute to the development of their knowledge and skills
• Comprehensive understanding of the youth justice issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including their interactions with the child protection system.
• Sound interpersonal skills and the capacity to communicate effectively with members of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, including young people.
• Excellent organisation, time management, communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with others and to foster a co-operative and supportive team environment
• Basic competency in the use of MS Office Software and the capacity to quickly acquire competency in the use of VALS' client data base.

Mandatory Requirements

The successful applicant must be able to provide or be willing to obtain:

• Admitted as a legal practitioner in Victoria, with an unsupervised practising certificate.
• A current Employee Working with Children Check card
• A valid Victorian Driver's license
• A National Criminal History Check
• Proof of work rights in Australia, such as an Australian passport, birth certificate, or valid visa documentation

Why Join VALS?

We offer a supportive, flexible, and culturally safe working environment with a range of attractive benefits, including:

• 17.5% Leave Loading
• 5 additional days of annual leave on top of the standard 20 days
• Time in Lieu (TOIL) system for any hours worked beyond your contracted 35 hours per week
• Access to company vehicles for work-related travel
• Generous salary packaging up to $15,900 via Maxxia
• Opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to delivering culturally appropriate legal and support services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities

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How to Apply

To apply, please provide:

• A covering letter introducing yourself and explaining your suitability for the role
• A statement addressing each of the Key Selection Criteria (please note: applications without this will not be considered)
• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and two referees

Submit your application the subject line: 'Application for Senior Lawyer – Balit Ngulu Position 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.