Lawyer / Senior Lawyer

Location: Preston VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time | Fixed Term (with potential to become ongoing)

Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Salary: $88, $105, Super + Salary Packaging (dependent on experience)

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.

The Lawyer/Senior Lawyer will case manage and appear in child protection and intervention order matters for clients, including those with ties to the Darebin LGA, as well as appear in some criminal matters for cross-over clients. This role is part of an expansion within our legal team to further support vulnerable Aboriginal children, particularly in the Family Division, and is open to applicants at both Lawyer and Senior Lawyer levels. The position combines legal practice with intensive case management to deliver high-quality, culturally safe legal services while building strong relationships and strategic partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other key stakeholders to improve justice outcomes for Aboriginal families.

• Provide high-quality legal advice, assistance and representation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people across Child Protection, Criminal and Civil matters through integrated service delivery.
• Establish culturally safe, inclusive practices that empower young people to participate in decision-making while accommodating diverse gender identities and abilities.
• Develop trauma-informed legal strategies and pathways that support positive outcomes in education, employment and life planning.
• Coordinate referrals and linkages to support services that address drivers of Child Protection and justice involvement, particularly family violence, to build positive pathways.
• Working collaboratively with Balit Ngulu Aboriginal Community Engagement Woker to support young people
• Maintain high professional standards and quality legal practice while ensuring client-centered, culturally appropriate service delivery.

Lawyer (including Graduates with less than 12 months post-admission experience)

You will have:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor and be admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner (less than 12 months post-admission experience welcome to apply).
• A genuine commitment to working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities using a culturally safe and trauma-informed approach.
• An interest in family, child protection and/or youth justice law with a willingness to develop skills in advocacy and case management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage respectfully with children, young people, families and community partners.
• A client-focused approach, able to manage competing priorities with support from senior team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary and culturally diverse team.
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence, or willingness to obtain one.

Senior Lawyer (minimum 2.5 years post-admission experience)

You will have:

• A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor and be admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner with a minimum of 2.5 years post-admission experience.
• Demonstrated experience in child protection, family law, youth justice or related advocacy areas.
• Proven experience managing complex caseloads and appearing as a solicitor advocate in court.
• Strong understanding of culturally safe legal practice and the impacts of intergenerational trauma and systemic injustice on Aboriginal communities.
• Experience supporting or mentoring junior staff or students (desirable).
• High-level problem solving, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work autonomously and exercise sound professional judgement in a fast-paced legal environment.
• A current Victorian Driver's Licence, or willingness to obtain one.

• 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 submit the following:

• Your current resume, including education, professional experience, and the contact details of two referees.

Send your application to with the subject line: "Application for Balit Ngulu Lawyer 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.