Regional Practice Lead

Location: Shepparton, VIC

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

Working Arrangement: Hybrid

Organisation: Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service (VALS)

Salary: $110,000 + 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.

As Regional Practice Lead, you will provide high-quality legal services and advocacy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients across the Shepparton region. You will act as lead advocate in Family Law, Child Protection, and Family Violence matters, appearing in the Magistrates' Court of Victoria and the Federal Circuit and Family Courts. In addition, you will engage with local Aboriginal communities, oversee the local practice team, and develop partnerships with legal, community, and government services to strengthen client pathways and regional support networks. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to social justice, community empowerment, and systemic change in a culturally safe environment.

• Provide high-quality advice, casework, and advocacy in Family Law, Child Protection, and Family Violence matters.
• Maintain a substantial caseload and manage applications for legal assistance, including VLA grants.
• Supervise, mentor, and support practice team members.
• Plan and deliver community legal education and professional development in the region.
• Develop collaborative relationships with service providers, VLA, and other community legal centres.
• Stay current with legal developments, issues, and trends affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Victoria and the High Court of Australia with an unrestricted practising certificate.
• Minimum 4+ years of practical experience in Family Law, Family Violence, Intervention Orders, and Child Protection matters.
• Demonstrated ability to act as an advocate, deliver casework, negotiate disputes, and provide outreach services.
• Experience managing, supervising, and developing legal and support staff.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and multidisciplinary colleagues.
• Committed to VALS' values and understanding of the issues faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Proficient in MS Office and able to learn VALS' client management systems.

• 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 Regional Practice Lead (Shepparton) 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.