Location
Geelong - Barwon area
About this role
Full-time ongoing position (part-time considered).
This role is a senior advocate responsible for providing high-quality legal services, managing complex civil law case work, and advocating in areas that affect people's rights.
A key focus will be mental health and disability law, including services in the Mental Health Tribunal.
Other areas of work may include tenancy, social security, National Disability and Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and fines.
Responsibilities
Act as a senior advocate, providing high-quality legal services and managing complex civil law case work.
Advocate in the Mental Health Tribunal and other relevant courts and tribunals.
Participate in community legal education and develop collaborative relationships between VLA and local stakeholders.
Ensure availability on Mondays and Tuesdays, key duty lawyer service days in the Geelong office.
Mentor, supervise, and train junior and senior lawyers to develop the legal team's capability.
Contribute subject-matter expertise to policy initiatives, law reform, and VLA projects.
Operate from the Geelong office on Wadawurrung Country.
Qualifications
Substantial knowledge or practical experience in civil law and relevant court and tribunal procedures, particularly in the Mental Health Tribunal.
Ability to provide strategic legal and policy advice and engage key partner agencies for referrals.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a diverse stakeholder group.
Strong interest and capability in mentoring and guiding junior team members in civil law.
A current Australian practice certificate that entitles you to practise in Victoria as a government legal practitioner (mandatory).
Benefits
Salary range: $110,357 - $127,333 pro rata plus super and salary packaging up to $15,900.
Hybrid WFH & office model.
Employee benefits focus on work-life balance, including flexible working arrangements and a hybrid work model.
Training and professional development opportunities are provided.
Additional benefits include:
General expenses up to $15,900
Meals & Entertainment up to $2,650
Novated leasing
Access to discounted private health insurance
Relocation support
How to apply
To be considered for this role, please submit your current resume and a cover letter.
If you require adjustments to the recruitment process or an alternative format for any application materials, please get in touch with our team.
No agency applications will be accepted.
Other relevant information
It is a requirement that staff attend office-based days at their primary work location.
Interstate applications will be considered only where the candidate is willing to relocate to Victoria unless part of a border community.
Applications close by pm on Sunday 30 November.
Employees are expected to be part of VLA's commitment to child protection and safety.
Company overview
Victoria Legal Aid provides legal representation, family dispute resolution and non-legal advocacy to those in need.
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